Albert Khorev, Russia’s ambassador to Pakistan, has voiced Moscow’s concerns over the rise in terrorist activities in Pakistan and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to support Islamabad in countering these threats.
Khorev stated that Russia stands in solidarity with Kabul’s counterterrorism efforts and is prepared to provide necessary assistance too.
Speaking to TASS News Agency, he emphasised, "We reaffirm our commitment to strengthening constructive cooperation with Pakistan and Afghanistan."
However, the Russian diplomat did not provide specific details regarding the nature of Russia’s assistance to Pakistan and the Taliban in combatting terrorism.
Khorev stressed that resolving security issues in the border regions between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains the primary responsibility of both nations. However, he also highlighted that Russia and Pakistan are currently engaged in effective counterterrorism cooperation.
As part of these efforts, he pointed to the joint counterterrorism military exercises conducted by Pakistan and Russia in October 2024.
The Pakistan Army announced in October 2024 that it had conducted a two-week joint military exercise with Russia’s armed forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, aimed at enhancing counterterrorism capabilities.
Pakistan has consistently claimed that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) maintains safe havens inside Afghanistan. The Pakistan Army has also accused Afghan nationals of involvement in terrorist activities.
On Saturday, the Pakistan Army reported that an Afghan national, Luqman Khan Nusrat, was killed during a counterterrorism operation in North Waziristan. In an official statement, the military asserted that "such incidents highlight the role of Afghan nationals in terrorist activities within Pakistan."
The Pakistan Army has repeatedly urged the Taliban to honour its commitments and prevent terrorist groups from using Afghan soil to launch attacks in Pakistan.
