Pakistan, Russia hold talks on security threats arising from Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD/MOSCOW: Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, said he met with Albert Khurief, Russia’s ambassador in Islamabad, to discuss regional security, cross-border terrorism, and threats posed by armed groups operating in Afghanistan. In a statement posted on social media on Tuesday, Sadiq said the two sides also discussed coordinating diplomatic efforts to address shared security concerns. Pakistan has repeatedly claimed that armed groups based in Afghanistan threaten its security and the wider region, with some attacks allegedly planned from Afghan territory. Relations between the Taliban and Pakistan have been tense in recent months over security issues, with some border crossings reportedly restricted for nearly four months. Russian officials have previously expressed concern about armed groups in Afghanistan but have also emphasized ongoing cooperation with the Taliban to address these security challenges.