In a significant diplomatic turn, Pakistan is reportedly turning to Iran to mediate its escalating conflict with Afghanistan’s Taliban government, after peace talks facilitated by Qatar and Turkey failed to materialize. This move signals Pakistan’s search for alternative diplomatic solutions amidst growing military and security concerns along its border.
According to insider reports, initial attempts to calm the situation involved appeals to Qatar’s Emir and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. However, these diplomatic channels proved insufficient. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has now publicly offered Tehran’s mediation services, emphasizing that Muslim nations should cooperate rather than engage in conflict and urging both sides to pursue dialogue and de-escalation.
The effectiveness of these efforts was implicitly questioned following a viral video from a recent ECO meeting in Tehran. The footage showed Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi attempting to engage Afghanistan’s Deputy Interior Minister Ibrahim Sadr in peace discussions, with the latter appearing unenthusiastic. This visual underscored the challenges faced by Pakistan in securing cooperation.
Experts view Iran’s readiness to mediate as a calculated strategic move. Iran’s geographic proximity, sharing borders with both nations, and its established influence within Afghanistan, including among the Shia Hazara population and to some extent the Taliban, position it uniquely. Additionally, Iran’s role in regional infrastructure projects like the Chabahar corridor provides further leverage.
Simultaneously, Pakistan’s internal security landscape remains fraught with challenges. The country’s Defense Minister has recently voiced threats of strong reprisal against Afghanistan, yet acknowledged the significant toll of the insurgency, with over 4,000 Pakistani soldiers killed. Viral footage from Balochistan, depicting heavily armored military patrols, highlights the prevailing insecurity within Pakistan, even as its government projects an image of strength internationally.