Afghanistan Peace CampaignHe added that Astana is ready to play a mediating role between Afghanistan and Pakistan if formally requested by both sides.
Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, referring to the recent tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, emphasized that his country’s position has always been based on resolving disputes through dialogue.
He added that Astana is ready to play a mediating role between Afghanistan and Pakistan if formally requested by both sides.
He further noted that Kazakhstan’s President has consistently called on the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy.
Speaking to TOLOnews, Zhumangarin said: “Kazakhstan’s position has always been consistent: all disputes and conflicts should be resolved through dialogue. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly urged the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan to settle their differences through talks. If a formal request is made, Kazakhstan is prepared to provide the necessary platform and conditions for such discussions.”
Meanwhile, Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, has urged Pakistani officials to pursue dialogue with Kabul instead of escalating tensions.
Referring to a recent session of Pakistan’s parliament on the consequences of the closure of trade routes with Afghanistan, Khalilzad stressed that lawmakers should ask the government what its main demands from Kabul are and how Afghanistan has responded to those demands.
Khalilzad stated: “Pakistani parliamentarians who support diplomacy should do more to resolve problems with Afghanistan. They should press their government to negotiate an agreement that neither Afghanistan nor Pakistan will allow their territory to be used by groups or individuals to threaten the security of the other.”
According to Khalilzad, Afghan officials have proposed several measures to address Pakistan’s security concerns, including providing security guarantees, establishing joint coordination mechanisms, and even allowing a third party to participate in reviewing security-related concerns.
Commenting on the issue, political analyst Akhtar Mohammad Rasikh said: “Pakistan has never genuinely sought a path of brotherhood, humanity, Islamic solidarity, or good neighborly relations with Afghanistan, nor has it taken major steps for the prosperity of the people of the two countries.”
These remarks come as relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have repeatedly been affected in recent years by security concerns, border clashes, and mutual accusations, while efforts to reduce tensions and promote dialogue continue.