Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry says it welcomes Iran’s proposal to mediate between Islamabad and the Taliban, stressing that Pakistan has a strong case on cross-border terrorism and is ready to cooperate with Tehran in any mediation effort.
Responding on Sunday to a question about Iran’s offer to host a regional meeting aimed at easing tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan appreciates the initiative.
He described Iran as a “brotherly, friendly country” and said Pakistan consistently supports resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. Andrabi said Iran could play an important role in efforts to address cross-border militancy.
He added that mediation is usually resisted by parties with a weak political or legal position, but argued that Pakistan’s case regarding terrorism originating from Afghanistan is “very strong.”
Relations between the Taliban and Pakistan have deteriorated in recent weeks amid disputes over Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Pakistani airstrikes. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently announced plans for a regional meeting to help de-escalate tensions.
Earlier this month, a third round of talks between Pakistan and the Taliban in Istanbul ended without progress, with negotiators failing to reach agreement on steps to curb cross-border militancy. The talks were initiated after border clashes between the two sides in October.
The tensions have drawn in other regional actors as well. Türkiye’s president and several neighbouring leaders have previously urged both sides to resolve their disagreements through dialogue.
