SCO Offers to Mediate Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Russian media have reported that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is prepared to provide a platform for mediation between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
According to these reports, the SCO Secretary-General said the organization is closely monitoring recent developments; however, it has not yet received any formal request from Kabul or Islamabad.
Nurlan Yermekbayev, Secretary-General of the SCO, stated: “If the concerned parties consider it appropriate to use the organization’s mechanisms, member states are ready to explore ways to help reduce tensions. The key condition is the political will of the parties and their genuine interest in constructive dialogue.”
Hewad Zazai, a political analyst, said: “Regional countries and powers should not wait for the two sides to request it; they should take initiative, determine who is right and who is defending themselves, and recognize violations of international law against Afghanistan.”
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan assured that there is no need for concern regarding any part of the country’s territory, stating that all areas along the hypothetical Durand Line are under the control of security forces.
Inayatullah Khwarazmi wrote on X: “The defense forces of the Islamic Emirate are fully committed to protecting every inch of the country’s territory. No one should be concerned about any part of Afghanistan. All areas along the hypothetical Durand Line are under the control of security forces, and there is strong commitment to securing even the most difficult terrains.”
Former diplomat Aziz Maarij said: “It is true that Islamic Emirate forces are present along the hypothetical Durand Line and have ensured security, but Pakistan continues to violate Afghan airspace and carries out aerial bombardments targeting civilian areas. The Islamic Emirate should acquire air defense systems to prevent such attacks and reassure the public.”
Idris Mohammadi Zazai, another political analyst, told : “Countries, organizations, and neighbors should not wait for the suffering people of Afghanistan to plead for mediation. Pakistan has also failed to honor its commitments, repeatedly breaking its promises in a short time.”
This comes as tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have escalated in recent months, with several countries including Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia attempting to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, these efforts have yet to result in a lasting agreement.
