Russia has expressed its willingness to help ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan as deteriorating relations between the two neighbouring countries continue to raise concerns about cross-border terrorism, regional stability and trade. Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev said Moscow was concerned about the growing friction between Islamabad and Kabul and was ready to contribute to efforts aimed at resolving their differences. He made the remarks during a discussion on Pakistan-Russia relations at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).
Khorev also highlighted the economic impact of the continued closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, saying the disruption was affecting Pakistan’s trade connections with Central Asia and Russia. He expressed hope that the border would reopen and relations between the two countries would improve. The ambassador added that tensions were discussed during Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev’s recent visit to Islamabad, where he met Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Russia has increased its diplomatic engagement across the region. Russian Foreign Intelligence Service chief Sergei Naryshkin visited Kabul for talks with senior Taliban representatives, while a senior Russian Security Council official travelled to New Delhi. Moscow has also strengthened its political and security ties with the Taliban administration, becoming the first country to formally recognise the Afghan government last year. The two sides have expanded cooperation, including through a military-technical arrangement signed in May.
However, Russia’s approach towards the Taliban administration differs from Pakistan’s position on militant groups operating from Afghan territory. During recent regional consultations on Afghanistan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised the Taliban administration, while Pakistan called for concrete action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The consultations concluded without a joint communique after differences emerged over references to terrorist organisations operating from Afghanistan.
Islamabad maintains that the TTP uses Afghan territory to plan and carry out attacks inside Pakistan, while Kabul has rejected these allegations. Pakistan has repeatedly called for effective and verifiable action against militant groups, linking progress in bilateral relations to improvements in its security situation. Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said Pakistan valued engagement with Russia on Afghanistan and regional security, adding that Islamabad would welcome sincere diplomatic efforts that addressed its concerns and delivered tangible results. He clarified that the Foreign Office was not aware of a separate formal Russian mediation initiative.
Alongside security discussions, Pakistan and Russia are seeking to expand economic cooperation. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi identified trade, transport, education, visa facilitation, direct flights and the removal of banking and payment barriers as key priorities. Officials have also discussed a bilateral business forum, university partnerships, student exchanges and cooperation in science, engineering and agriculture. Both countries have explored transport connections through Iran, Afghanistan and China, as well as railway links with Central Asia. Their broader engagement includes work towards an economic cooperation programme extending to 2030.
