Story perspectives

Pakistan and Taliban tensions spur Russia mediation offer

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 11:29 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Russia Mediates Pakistan-Taliban

Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev met Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir in Rawalpindi on October 14.
SVR chief Sergey Naryshkin met Taliban intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq in Kabul.
Afghanistan envoy Zamir Kabulov said Russia would mediate if Pakistan and Taliban request.
United Nations Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported Pakistani strikes on September 30-October 1 killed at least ten civilians.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar warned the Taliban not to shelter militants attacking Pakistan.

Summary

Zardari Urges Respect

President Asif Ali Zardari urged the United States and Iran to respect the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
Zardari stressed the need for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Oman and Pakistan signed an agreement and four MoUs covering IT, media, and news exchange.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi civilians and pledged diplomatic efforts with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

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Russia Mediates Pakistan-Taliban

Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev met Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir in Rawalpindi on October 14.
SVR chief Sergey Naryshkin met Taliban intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq in Kabul.
Afghanistan envoy Zamir Kabulov said Russia would mediate if Pakistan and Taliban request.
United Nations Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported Pakistani strikes on September 30-October 1 killed at least ten civilians.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar warned the Taliban not to shelter militants attacking Pakistan.

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