Russia has offered to cooperate in resolving tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and restoring cross-border trade, as the prolonged closure of border crossings continues to disrupt commercial activity affecting Pakistan, Afghanistan, Central Asian countries, and Russia.
Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev conveyed Moscow’s position while speaking at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) during a discussion on Pakistan-Russia relations. He said Russia wanted an early resolution to the border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and the reopening of border crossings.
Khorev noted that the closures were affecting not only bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan but also commercial links involving Central Asian countries and Russia. The disruption highlights the wider regional economic consequences of deteriorating relations between the two neighboring countries.
The Russian ambassador’s remarks signal Moscow’s interest in reducing regional instability and restoring trade flows through routes that connect South Asia with Central Asia and beyond. However, the extent and form of any Russian facilitation efforts were not specified in the reported remarks.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Tirmizi, said cross-border infiltration from Afghanistan remained a serious concern for Pakistan. He described Afghanistan as a complex regional challenge that Pakistan and Russia were trying to address.
Tirmizi said Moscow was also urging the Taliban to ensure that Afghan territory was not used against other countries. He cited the recent visit of Russia’s interior minister to Pakistan as an indication that bilateral relations between Islamabad and Moscow were progressing without major disagreements.
The Pakistani envoy expressed hope that Russian President Vladimir Putin would visit Pakistan next year to attend a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. He said bilateral relations were continuing to improve, reflecting growing engagement between the two countries.
Former Pakistani ambassador Masood Khan, meanwhile, argued that Pakistan should be viewed as an independent partner rather than primarily through the lens of its relations with India or Afghanistan. His remarks underscored the importance of recognizing Pakistan’s broader diplomatic and strategic role.
Russia’s offer comes as tensions between Islamabad and Kabul continue to affect border security and regional commerce. For Moscow, the reopening of trade routes could help restore commercial connectivity across South and Central Asia, while Pakistan has consistently emphasized the need to prevent Afghan territory from being used for attacks against its people and security forces.
Any meaningful progress, however, will depend on steps to address security concerns, ease bilateral tensions, and establish conditions for the safe and sustained reopening of border crossings
