MOSCOW, Mar 24: Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi has said Islamabad is pursuing peace with neighbouring countries while strengthening strategic cooperation with Russia to address emerging security and energy challenges in the region.
In an interview with Russian newspaper Izvestia, the ambassador outlined Pakistan’s positions on developments in Afghanistan, relations with India, the evolving situation in the Middle East, and prospects for expanding Pakistan-Russia cooperation.
Ambassador Tirmizi said Pakistan did not seek conflict with Afghanistan but expected the Afghan authorities to prevent militant groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State – Khorasan Province from using Afghan territory against Pakistan. He noted that around 4,000 people had lost their lives in terrorist incidents in Pakistan since August 2021.
He rejected allegations of civilian targeting by Pakistani forces, stating that any cross-border actions were aimed at terrorist infrastructure. He also ruled out the possibility of a ground operation inside Afghanistan, emphasizing deep historical, cultural and family ties between the two countries and welcoming mediation efforts by Russia, China, Qatar, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia.
On relations with India, the ambassador said Pakistan remained committed to dialogue but accused New Delhi of avoiding engagement on the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute and politicizing forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Discussing the regional fallout of tensions in the Middle East, Ambassador Tirmizi said Pakistan was playing a constructive role in easing tensions between Iran and Gulf countries while hoping to prevent further escalation. He added that Pakistan was prepared to receive Iranian refugees if required but expressed confidence that the situation would stabilize.
He warned that the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region could adversely affect Pakistan’s energy supplies, particularly oil and liquefied natural gas imports, prompting Islamabad to explore alternative arrangements, including expanded cooperation with Russia.
The ambassador said discussions were underway on importing Russian LNG and increasing oil supplies, alongside plans for broader economic collaboration. He also highlighted prospects for reviving the Pakistan Steel Mills with Russian support and strengthening cooperation in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, tourism and investment.
Ambassador Tirmizi expressed hope that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would undertake an official visit to Russia in the coming months, during which high-level talks with President Vladimir Putin were expected.
He said both countries were also working to enhance connectivity through direct flights and freight rail links, although regional instability had temporarily delayed progress on some initiatives.
Summing up Pakistan’s foreign policy outlook, Ambassador Tirmizi said Islamabad sought peace, regional stability and mutually beneficial economic partnerships, particularly with Russia, while addressing evolving security threats and energy challenges.
