DID Press: Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, stated at the Tehran meeting that ongoing security threats posed by terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan remain a serious concern, emphasizing that only the complete elimination of these threats can build trust among neighboring countries and pave the way for constructive regional engagement and the use of the region’s economic potential.
On Sunday, (Dec. 14), Mohammad Sadiq said in a post on the social media platform X that his participation in the meeting of special representatives of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, along with Russia, hosted by Tehran, was an important opportunity to exchange views on shared security challenges and ways to reduce the suffering of the Afghan people.
Referring to the participants’ joint assessment, he noted that the continued threat of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil remains one of the region’s most serious security challenges. He added that after years of crisis, the Afghan people deserve more stable conditions.
According to Sadiq, the primary responsibility in this regard lies with the current rulers in Kabul to take practical steps—including the unconditional removal of all terrorist groups from Afghan territory—to reduce humanitarian suffering and restore regional confidence.
The Pakistani special representative stressed that an Afghanistan free of terrorist safe havens could become a reliable partner for its neighbors and make use of its vast economic potential and connectivity links, which would benefit regional stability and sustainable development.
The Tehran meeting opened with remarks by Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, and was attended by representatives from Iran, Pakistan, Russia, China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The meeting aimed to review Afghanistan’s security and political developments, strengthen regional coordination, support inclusive political processes, and improve the country’s humanitarian situation.
In addition to Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s delegation included Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani, Pakistan’s ambassador to Kabul. Meanwhile, Mohammad Mudassir Tipu, Pakistan’s ambassador to Tehran, emphasized the importance of the meeting and underscored the need for urgent action against terrorist threats and expanded regional cooperation for peace and development. A joint statement outlining a framework for future regional cooperation on Afghanistan is expected at the conclusion of the meeting.