Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions delaying major projects across the region: Russian envoy
Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorevhas said that tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are harming regional trade and delaying major infrastructure and energy projects across South and Central Asia.
Speaking in a podcast, Khorev said that trade flows involving Pakistan, Central Asia, and Russia have been negatively affected, and Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector has been particularly hit.
He further said that key infrastructure projects, including the Trans-Afghan railway, have been delayed, while major energy initiatives such as CASA-1000 and TAPI remain uncertain.
The envoy added that Russia is ready to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan if both sides request its involvement, emphasizing Moscow’s support for regional peace and reconciliation efforts.
The Russian envoy also said the current Afghan government has shown resilience and effectiveness despite sanctions, frozen national assets and severe banking restrictions. He added that it is able to function and maintain productive relations with regional and global partners even without formal international recognition.
Khorev said other countries are likely to follow Russia in developing mutually beneficial ties with Afghanistan. He also argued that the government could perform more effectively if Western countries released frozen Afghan assets, which he said could help in counterterrorism efforts and address challenges such as refugee issues.
On girls’ education, the ambassador stressed that fundamental human rights must be respected by all sides, including the Afghan authorities, and said access to education is essential for the country’s long-term progress.
