Pakistan is reportedly turning to Iran for mediation amidst escalating tensions with Afghanistan’s Taliban regime. Following unsuccessful peace overtures through Qatar and Turkey, Islamabad now views Iran as its final diplomatic resort. This strategic shift comes after a series of cross-border clashes that have highlighted Pakistan’s internal security challenges and diplomatic limitations.
Reports indicate that Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, initially approached Qatar and Turkey for their assistance in de-escalating the conflict with the Afghan Taliban. However, these efforts reportedly failed to yield results. Consequently, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has offered to mediate, emphasizing the need for unity among Muslim nations and urging both Pakistan and Afghanistan to reduce tensions. Tehran has expressed readiness to facilitate dialogue between the two neighboring countries.
A recent interaction at an ECO meeting in Tehran, where Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was seen making a plea for peace to Afghan Deputy Interior Minister Ibrahim Sadr, gained significant attention. The viral video depicted Naqvi’s apparent urgency, while the Afghan minister appeared disengaged, underscoring the difficult diplomatic landscape.
Analysts suggest Iran’s mediation role is strategically significant due to its shared borders with both nations and its considerable influence. Tehran has leverage over Afghanistan’s Shia Hazara minority and a degree of sway with the Taliban. Furthermore, Iran’s involvement in energy projects and the Chabahar port corridor provides additional avenues for diplomatic pressure and cooperation.
Concurrently, Pakistan faces ongoing internal security threats. The country’s Defense Minister recently issued a warning of retaliation against Afghanistan but acknowledged the loss of over 4,000 Pakistani soldiers to insurgent activities. Images circulating online, showing Pakistani military patrols in armored vehicles in Balochistan due to fear of local militants, paint a stark picture of domestic insecurity, contrasting with the assertive stance projected by its leadership on the international stage.