Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F), has called on Pakistan to adopt a more conciliatory approach toward Afghanistan, arguing that regional stability depends on constructive engagement rather than confrontation.

Addressing Pakistan’s parliament, Fazlur Rehman said Islamabad should apply the same diplomatic principles to Afghanistan that it advocates in other regional disputes. Referring to efforts aimed at preventing conflict between the United States and Iran, he argued that Pakistan should similarly seek dialogue and reconciliation with its western neighbor.

“If we support mediation and reconciliation between the United States and Iran to prevent war in the region, then the same policy should be pursued with Afghanistan,” he said.

The veteran politician criticized security strategies centered on military action, questioning whether airstrikes and cross-Durand Line operations inside Afghanistan had succeeded in reducing militant attacks within Pakistan. He urged policymakers to reassess existing approaches and place greater emphasis on promoting stability in Afghanistan.

According to Fazlur Rehman, a stable Afghanistan is not only in the interest of Afghans but is also a strategic necessity for Pakistan’s own security. He warned that continued instability across the border would have repercussions for the wider region.

The JUI-F leader also highlighted what he described as Afghanistan’s historical support for Pakistan during critical periods, including the 1965 war with India.

Fazlur Rehman noted that Pakistan currently faces security challenges on multiple fronts and said stronger cooperation with Afghanistan could help ease those pressures while contributing to broader regional stability.

His remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul over security concerns, Durand Line management, and militant activity, issues that have strained relations between the two neighboring countries in recent years.

The United Nations Security Council on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for one year.

All 15 members of the Security Council voted in favor of the resolution, reflecting broad international support for the mission’s ongoing role in Afghanistan.

UNAMA serves as the United Nations’ principal political mission in Afghanistan and is tasked with supporting peace and stability, coordinating humanitarian assistance, promoting human rights, and engaging with Afghan authorities and international stakeholders on key political and development issues.

The extension comes as Afghanistan continues to face significant humanitarian and economic challenges.

UNAMA, established in 2002 after the fall of first IEA government, has usually been extended annually, although there was a six-month extension in 2021 to look at what changes might ​be needed after the IEA returned to power. In March this year, the mandate was extended for three months, after Washington called for a review of assistance and engagement in the country.

The Strategic Studies Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is set to host a high-level regional meeting of leading research and policy institutions from Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Azerbaijan in Kabul on 16 June 2026.

The gathering will bring together heads of strategic studies centres, researchers, and policy experts from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan. The participating institutions operate under the respective presidential administrations of their countries.

Officials say the meeting comes amid growing engagement between Afghanistan and regional states, with discussions expected to focus on regional connectivity, stability, trade, energy cooperation, transit, and investment. Participants will also review current cooperation frameworks and develop practical recommendations for future collaboration.

A key aspect of the forum is the direct exchange of views between research institutions on shared regional challenges and opportunities, aimed at strengthening coordination and mutual understanding.

The meeting will be officially inaugurated by Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Organisers say the forum reflects Afghanistan’s balanced, economy-oriented foreign policy and is expected to contribute to greater trust-building, expanded economic and transit cooperation, and long-term stability and shared prosperity across the region.

The initiative underscores Afghanistan’s continued role as an active participant in advancing regional connectivity and economic integration.