Tehran (TDI): Iran and Qatar on Thursday expressed deep concern over rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging regional countries to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability.
The remarks came during a phone conversation between Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani.
“The foreign ministers of Iran and Qatar, while expressing concern over tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, stressed the importance of continued engagement by regional countries to preserve peace and stability,” said a statement from Iran’s Foreign Ministry.
Bilateral relations between Islamabad and the Taliban-led administration in Kabul have deteriorated following two major terrorist attacks in Pakistan in recent days. One targeted Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan, and the other struck the Islamabad District Judicial Complex, killing 12 people and injuring at least 36, including lawyers and petitioners present at the courthouse.
In South Waziristan, Pakistani forces cleared Cadet College Wana, eliminating all militants from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan group who had infiltrated the institution.
Read More: Pakistan Warns of Possible Strikes on Terror Hideouts in Afghanistan
Araghchi and Thani also exchanged views on broader regional developments and bilateral relations, emphasizing the need to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They further discussed the latest situation in Gaza and the US draft resolution submitted to the UN Security Council, stressing continued consultations to protect the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to self-determination.
Moreover, On Wednesday, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iran’s Seyed Abbas Araghchi discussed bilateral and regional issues, welcoming the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan mediated by Qatar and Turkiye. The agreement aims to end cross-border firing and reduce tensions along the Pak-Afghan border.
Both ministers called for ongoing dialogue between Islamabad and Kabul to resolve differences through political and diplomatic means, emphasizing the importance of regional stability and security.
Read More: Pakistan Flags Threat of Illicit Arms from Afghanistan at UNSC
Lavrov and Araghchi also addressed developments in the Middle East, particularly the Palestinian–Israeli conflict and discussions at the UN Security Council. They reaffirmed their commitment to the unconditional implementation of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Iran, which entered into force on October 2.
