Shanghai Cooperation Organization Prepared to Mediate Between Kabul and Islamabad

Russian media has reported that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is ready to provide a platform for mediation between Afghanistan and Pakistan if the parties request it.

SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev said the organization is closely following recent developments between Kabul and Islamabad but has not received any official request for mediation from either side.

"If the interested parties consider using the mechanisms of this organization appropriate, the member countries are ready to consider this possibility to help reduce tensions. The main condition is the political will of the parties themselves and their real interest in a constructive dialogue process," Yermekbayev said.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan stated that security forces maintain full control over all territory along the Durand Line.

Enayatullah Khwarazmi wrote on X that the defensive forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan are committed to the defense and protection of every inch of the country's soil and that all places along the Durand Line are under the control of security forces.

Political analyst Hewad Zazi said countries in the region and regional powers should intervene directly rather than wait for the parties to request assistance.

Former diplomat Aziz Ma'raj said Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan forces are present along the Durand Line providing security, but Pakistan has violated Afghan airspace and bombed civilian areas. He called for the acquisition of air defense systems.

Political analyst Idris Mohammadi Zazi said Pakistan has not honored its previous promises and that regional actors should not wait for requests from Afghanistan following airspace violations and bombings.

Tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have escalated in recent months. Mediation efforts by Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have not produced a sustainable agreement.