ISLAMABAD: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has described Afghanistanas a major security concern for the region, aligning closely withPakistan’s longstanding position that terrorist groups operating fromAfghan territory pose a direct threat to neighboring states. In recentstatements, Lavrov highlighted emerging challenges linked to instability inAfghanistan and Central Asia as central issues for the Collective SecurityTreaty Organization (CSTO), emphasizing the need for coordinated responsesto prevent spillover effects. This convergence underscores growing regionalconsensus on countering transnational terrorism amid persistentcross-border attacks attributed to groups like the Tehrik-e-TalibanPakistan (TTP).
Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghan-based militants, particularly theTTP, of launching attacks on its soil, leading to heightened bordertensions and military operations. Official data from Pakistani authoritiesindicate a surge in such incidents since the Taliban’s return to power in2021, with thousands of casualties reported in recent years. Islamabadmaintains that safe havens in Afghanistan enable these groups to regroup,train, and execute operations, a claim Kabul consistently denies whileasserting full control over its territory.
Russia’s position reflects broader worries among Central Asian states, manyof which are CSTO members. Lavrov’s remarks during meeting with CSTOSecretary-General Taalatbek Masadykov identified Afghanistan-relateddevelopments as a top priority, citing risks of terrorism, extremism, andnarcotics trafficking spreading northward. The CSTO, comprising Russia,Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, views suchthreats as collective security challenges, prompting discussions on borderreinforcement and joint exercises.
The alignment between Moscow and Islamabad on this issue builds ondeepening bilateral ties. In April 2025, the 11th Pakistan-Russia JointWorking Group on Countering International Terrorism focused on evolvingthreats from Afghanistan, agreeing to enhance collaboration againsttransnational militancy. Both nations shared intelligence and strategies,recognizing the interconnected nature of regional instability.
Multilateral forums have further amplified these concerns. Quadrilateralmeetings involving China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia have repeatedlycondemned terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan, including TTP,Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), Al-Qaeda, and others. Jointstatements from 2024 and 2025 urged Afghan authorities to dismantle thesenetworks non-discriminatorily and prevent territory use against neighbors.
UN reports and regional assessments corroborate the persistent threat. TheUN Security Council sanctions monitoring team has documented ongoingactivities by groups like ISKP and TTP, with sanctuaries in Afghanprovinces facilitating operations. Despite Taliban claims of suppressingextremism, incidents such as attacks claimed by ISKP and cross-borderviolence continue to fuel skepticism among neighbors.
Pakistan’s security calculus is heavily influenced by these dynamics.Frequent border clashes, including airstrikes targeting alleged militanthideouts, reflect Islamabad’s proactive stance. Russia, facing its ownvulnerabilities from groups like ISKP—evidenced by past attacks—sharesPakistan’s view that unchecked militancy in Afghanistan undermines broaderstability.
CSTO mechanisms emphasize preventive measures. Programs to strengthenTajik-Afghan borders and intelligence-sharing initiatives aim to mitigaterisks. Lavrov’s emphasis on new threats highlights the urgency, as militantpresence near Central Asian frontiers grows.
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This Russia-Pakistan convergence signals a shift toward pragmatic regionalcooperation. Both countries advocate dialogue and diplomatic engagementover confrontation, while insisting on verifiable actions againstterrorism. Russia’s offer to mediate Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions in late2025 reflects efforts to de-escalate while addressing root causes.
The situation remains fluid, with economic and humanitarian crises inAfghanistan exacerbating instability. Regional powers increasingly viewcollective security as essential, prioritizing counterterrorism overunilateral approaches. Sustained coordination through formats like theMoscow Format and SCO could foster stability.
Ultimately, the shared recognition of Afghanistan as a security flashpointunderscores the need for unified action. Failure to address these threatsrisks wider destabilization across South and Central Asia.
Source:https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/lavrov-says-central-asia-afghanistan-central-problems-for-collective-security-treaty-organization/3817845
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