MOSCOW / ISLAMABAD — A high-level Pakistani delegation led by Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq joined regional diplomats in the Russian capital on Monday, October 5, 2026, for the eighth session of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan.
The multilateral forum, convened by the Russian Foreign Ministry, brought together senior officials and special envoys from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, alongside guest observer delegations from Belarus and Egypt. The Afghan interim administration’s delegation was headed by acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Addressing Border Security and Cross-Border Terrorism
The Moscow consultations took place against the backdrop of heightened friction between Islamabad and Kabul over cross-border militant operations originating from Afghan sanctuaries. Pakistani delegates reiterated Islamabad’s unequivocal expectation that the Kabul authorities take verifiable and decisive kinetic steps against outlawed groups operating across the border, specifically the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (Fitna al-Khawarij) and regional extremist proxies.
The diplomatic push follows recent operations within Pakistan, where Pakistani security forces neutralized 8 TTP militants in Dera Ismail Khan during intelligence-based counter-terrorism actions targeting cross-border logistics rings.
Regional Mediation and Economic Connectivity
Russian Special Presidential Representative for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov stated that the Moscow Format provides an indispensable diplomatic platform to de-escalate regional tensions and foster pragmatic engagement between Afghanistan and its immediate neighbors. On the sidelines of the plenary session, multilateral working groups deliberated on regional counter-narcotics coordination and expanding transnational transit corridors connecting Central Asia to Pakistani seaports.
The joint statement adopted at the conclusion of the session highlighted the shared imperative of regional states to prevent Afghan territory from being utilized by terrorist entities, while encouraging sustained humanitarian assistance and economic integration to promote long-term stability.