Ariana: Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has confirmed that Islamabad has asked Moscow to mediate in the ongoing conflict with Afghanistan. In an interview with Russian daily Izvestia, Tirmizi said Pakistan is engaging with Russia and appreciates the “wonderful offer” to help resolve tensions. He noted that proposals from Russia, China, Qatar, Turkey,
Amu: Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada made no reference to recent Pakistani attacks, the ongoing clashes with Pakistan or the issue of girls’ education in a lengthy message issued for the Eid holiday. Instead, the message focused largely on calls for obedience to him, prayers for his protection and the survival of the Taliban rule, and
Afghanistan International: Ahmad Massoud, leader of Afghanistan’s National Resistance Front, says Pakistan’s recent strikes in Afghanistan are the result of what he called the Taliban’s reckless policies and the group’s support for terrorist organisations. Speaking on Friday at an event marking the 31st anniversary of the killing of Abdul Ali Mazari, the late leader of
Amu: The Taliban’s Foreign Ministry said Sunday that recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran would have “long-term negative consequences” for the region, as hostilities continued to escalate. In a statement, the ministry expressed what it called “deep regret” over the attacks on Iran, which it said were initiated by Israel and the United States
Afghanistan International: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has again urged the Taliban to rein in militant groups operating from Afghan territory, warning that Islamabad would not hesitate to carry out further airstrikes inside Afghanistan if no action is taken. Speaking to France 24, Asif alleged that attacks inside Pakistan are carried out with Taliban support.
Special Eurasia: Tehran’s potential recognition of the Taliban is a strategic security hedge designed to stabilise its eastern frontier and prevent Afghanistan from being used as a platform for hostile intelligence or militant activity. Deepening trade interdependence, energy exports, and border free-trade zones are embedding Afghanistan structurally into Iran’s economy, transforming geopolitical risk into geo-economic
Ariana: Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, says the recent attack on a mosque in Islamabad was the consequence of Pakistan’s longstanding policy of “nurturing Daesh.” He argued that Pakistan’s instrumental use of Daesh for “covert and intelligence-driven objectives” harms not only the people of Pakistan but also has negative repercussions for the people
Tolo News: Leaders of two major religious parties in Pakistan have called for a review of the country’s policies toward Afghanistan and for improving ties between Kabul and Islamabad. Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI-F), said during a joint press conference with Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, that Russian and Chinese investment
Ariana: Former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has questioned whether Pakistan pursued a “double game” during the war in Afghanistan, following recent remarks by Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif about Islamabad’s role after the September 11 attacks. Speaking in Pakistan’s parliament, Asif said the country had effectively “rented itself to the United
Amu: Speaking during a session of Pakistan’s National Assembly on Monday, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said Pakistan’s participation in wars linked to Afghanistan, beginning during the Cold War and continuing after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, was a strategic choice made to secure international support, particularly from the United States. “We did not enter