THE fact that a consensus on how to deal with terrorism originating in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan eludes regional states was made clear at the recently held Moscow Format moot. The event was attended by nearly all of Afghanistan’s neighbours, including Pakistan. However, there was no joint statement issued because, in the words of the Russian envoy for Afghanistan, “our Afghan and Pakistani colleagues didn’t see eye to eye”. The Taliban regime had also sent its representatives. The main sticking point was the Taliban’s objection to including Afghanistan in a “terrorist context”. However, as Pakistan’s envoy put it, it was essential to address “the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil”. Russia offered its good offices to help de-escalate matters between Kabul and Islamabad, though it noted that the Moscow Format was not a forum for resolving bilateral disputes.

Both the Taliban’s denialism, and Russia’s apparently soft stance towards the Afghan terrorism problem, are unfortunate. Groups that find shelter in Afghanistan under the Taliban threaten the entire region. Thus, all of Afghanistan’s neighbours need to speak with one voice regarding the ‘export’ of terrorism. Russia is the only state that recognises the Taliban regime. Moscow has its own reasons for indulging the Taliban; these include the need to fight IS-K, which is a common enemy of Russia and the Taliban rulers, as well as to check US and Western influence in Afghanistan. But engagement with Kabul must not be allowed to obscure the fact that some of the deadliest terrorist groups in the world find refuge on Afghan soil. Other regional forums, such as the SCO and the ECO, have highlighted the need to address the terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan. China, which has significant economic interests in Afghanistan, has also pointed to this terrorist threat. The UN Security Council, too, has frequently noted that Afghanistan under Taliban rule has once again become a haven for various terrorist groups. Pakistan’s insistence, therefore, that Afghanistan’s terrorism problem be highlighted reflects the reality of the situation. If Kabul addresses the issue sincerely and restrains terrorist groups, it will benefit not only the Afghan people but the entire region.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2026