Islamabad, Russia has raised alarm over the worsening tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, urging both sides to pursue diplomacy to prevent further instability in the region.

Speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev said Moscow is closely watching the deteriorating relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. He stressed that Russia hopes the situation does not escalate and stands ready to assist in easing tensions.

Khorev said Russia is willing to expand counterterrorism cooperation with both countries, emphasizing that terrorism is a shared challenge for Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia and the wider region. Coordinated efforts, he noted, are essential to maintaining regional security.

The ambassador cited the deadly border clashes of October 2025—considered the most serious confrontations since the Taliban’s return to power—as a turning point that heightened concerns among neighboring states. Preventing a repeat of such violence, he added, is in the collective interest of the region.

Reiterating Moscow’s readiness to mediate between Pakistan and the Taliban, Khorev said Russia supports all diplomatic initiatives aimed at stabilizing South Asia. He also pointed to Iran’s recent push for dialogue, including its proposal for a regional summit to address the growing strains between Islamabad and Kabul.

Regional analysts say the repeated collapse of talks has intensified anxiety among key stakeholders, including Russia, Iran, Qatar and Turkey. These countries fear that further deterioration in Pakistan–Taliban relations could unleash new waves of instability across South Asia.

With both sides holding firm to hardline positions, diplomats warn that renewed border clashes remain a real possibility. Russia’s latest call for dialogue underscores growing international concern that unresolved disputes between Islamabad and Kabul could spill over and threaten broader regional security.