Russian minister's remarks on Daesh militant movements from Pakistan 'slip of tongue': foreign ministry

Published
18
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zhakharova. ─ Photo courtesy Radio Pakistan
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zhakharova. ─ Photo courtesy Radio Pakistan

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday dismissed Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Zubov's recent remarks about the alleged movement of Daesh militants from Pakistan to Tajikistan via helicopter as a "slip of tongue", Radio Pakistan reported.

Zubov had reportedly said on Jan 28 that fighters with ties to the militant Islamic State (IS) group were being transferred via unidentified helicopters from the Pakistani border to the Tajikistani border "in the direction of the southern borders of Russia".

The minister had also claimed that Moscow may be preparing for provocations that affect Russia, Sputnik reported.

Read more: Russia invites Taliban, anti-govt leaders for talks

However, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zhakharova dismissed Zubov's remarks during a weekly press briefing today, saying that they were a "slip of the tongue".

She added that Russia and Pakistan share common concerns regarding the growing momentum of Daesh militants and their expansion in the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border area.

Zhakharova said that Moscow is closely cooperating with Islamabad in the fight against terrorism and advancing the peace process in Afghanistan.

The Russian official highlighted the "great contribution" made by all countries bordering Afghanistan, and said that Moscow will serve as a reliable partner in every effort to ensure security of borders, according to Radio Pakistan.

Opinion

Editorial

Referendum talk
Updated 14 Nov, 2026

Referendum talk

Unless the PPP is deliberately using Sindh as a bargaining chip, it should issue a clarification with a clear, consistent position on new administrative units, not one tailored to protect its home turf.
Mineral wealth
14 Nov, 2026

Mineral wealth

PAKISTAN’S mineral wealth offers an opportunity to attract investment, earn foreign exchange and support long-term...
Late diagnosis
14 Nov, 2026

Late diagnosis

AS we mark World Diabetes Day today, Pakistan faces a troubling question: how many people are living with diabetes...
Climate challenges
Updated 13 Nov, 2026

Climate challenges

Pakistan cannot afford to confront its climate crises one disaster, one season and one international summit at a time.
Under fire
Updated 13 Nov, 2026

Under fire

KP police are increasingly vulnerable as they play a frontline role in ongoing operations against terrorists.
Used car imports
13 Nov, 2026

Used car imports

THE government’s effort to restrict used car imports appears to be faltering. So suggest the numbers. Despite...