Iran’s president offered to help resolve Kabul–Islamabad tensions, while Pakistan called for dialogue after recent negotiations with the Taliban in Istanbul ended without progress.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday on the sidelines of the ECO summit, expressing readiness to help resolve growing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.
Pezeshkian said Muslim countries must work to reduce conflict and “stand united” against shared threats, stressing that efforts should be made to avoid further escalation in the region.
Naqvi identified terrorism and migration as joint concerns for Iran and Pakistan, noting that existing cooperation between the two neighbours has produced “useful results.”
He described the recent Pakistan–Afghanistan talks in Istanbul as “constructive,” while emphasising that disputes should be solved through peaceful dialogue.
Naqvi warned that regional tensions must not be allowed to rise, as both sides continue to trade accusations over failed negotiations.
The meeting came after three days of talks between Pakistan and the Taliban ended in deadlock, with no progress on a long-term ceasefire. Pakistan continues to demand cooperation to curb the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, while Afghan authorities have resisted Islamabad’s conditions.
Diplomats say Tehran’s offer of mediation could help reopen stalled channels of communication, though both Afghanistan and Pakistan face pressure to avoid a confrontation that could further destabilise the region.
