Quadrilateral Meeting Reaffirms Commitment to Afghanistan
Pakistan, along with China, Russia, and Iran, on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to a stable, sovereign, and peaceful Afghanistan. The countries emphasised the need to eliminate terrorism and prevent external interference. This followed a quadrilateral meeting in Moscow focused on regional security and cooperation.
Counterterrorism Coordination Takes Priority
Pakistan’s Special Envoy to Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq Khan, said all four nations expressed concern over terrorist groups in Afghanistan, including TTP, BLA, ETIM, Jaish al-Adl, ISIL, and al-Qaeda. He added that enhanced coordination and collaborative action are critical to combat terrorism.
Promoting Regional Cooperation and Humanitarian Support
The nations stressed the importance of economic engagement and humanitarian assistance. They also highlighted Afghanistan’s integration into regional trade and development initiatives. The four sides urged Afghan authorities to dismantle terrorist networks, curb drug trafficking, and facilitate safe refugee returns. They called on the international community to provide sustained support for these efforts.
Bilateral Consultations Strengthen Relations
Ahead of the quadrilateral meeting, Ambassador Sadiq met his Iranian, Chinese, and Russian counterparts. The discussions focused on regional security, counterterrorism, and humanitarian concerns. All parties emphasised dialogue, coordinated action, and stronger bilateral cooperation to maintain regional stability.
Moscow Format and International Engagement
The quadrilateral meeting was part of the broader Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi attended, marking the first official participation of the Islamic Emirate’s foreign ministry. Discussions included political reconciliation, economic development, and inclusive governance.
Pakistan’s Zero-Tolerance Policy
Pakistan has urged the Taliban administration to act decisively against militants using Afghan soil. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently warned that Afghanistan must choose between siding with terrorists or aligning with Pakistan. Islamabad continues to prioritise regional security and collective efforts to stabilise Afghanistan.
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