Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has confirmed that Islamabad has asked Moscow to mediate in the ongoing conflict with Afghanistan.

In an interview with Russian daily Izvestia, Tirmizi said Pakistan is engaging with Russia and appreciates the “wonderful offer” to help resolve tensions. He noted that proposals from Russia, China, Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia led to an agreement on a temporary ceasefire.

“We tell all our interlocutors: please tell the Taliban (IEA) not to use this opportunity simply to regroup, recuperate, rearm, and re-attack,” Tirmizi said. “Because such large states as Russia or Pakistan cannot be destabilized by terrorist acts.”

The ambassador emphasized that decades of war in Afghanistan have affected not only Kabul and Islamabad but also neighboring countries, including Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and even Russia. “Therefore, we must all trade with each other, develop education, art, and culture. Terrorism is the wrong way to go,” he added.

The appeal for mediation comes amid rising cross-Durand Line tensions and violence that have killed hundreds and displaced thousands in recent weeks.

Pakistani officials have repeatedly claimed that militant attacks in the country are organized in Afghanistan.

The IEA however denies the claim saying that Afghanistan is not responsible for Pakistan’s “security failure.”

In an opinion article published on Sunday, Financial Times warned that rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan risk spiraling into a wider conflict, and urged the international community to urgently re-engage with the troubled region.

The publication noted that nearly five years after the Islamic Emirate’s return to power, global attention has largely faded, despite growing instability. It highlighted restrictions on women’s rights and the worsening relationship between Kabul and Islamabad, once close allies.

According to the article, Pakistan’s ties with the IEA have sharply deteriorated since 2021. Islamabad accuses Afghan authorities of harboring militant groups responsible for attacks inside Pakistan—an allegation the IEA denies.

Recent weeks have seen a surge in violence, including cross-Durand Line airstrikes and clashes that have reportedly killed over 1,000 people and displaced more than 100,000. One of the deadliest incidents involved an airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, which Afghan officials say killed hundreds.

The newspaper warned that continued escalation could destabilize South and Central Asia and risk turning Afghanistan into a hub for militant activity once again.

It criticized Pakistan’s military approach, saying airstrikes alone cannot end insurgencies, and called for sustained ceasefire efforts following a temporary truce during Eid al-Fitr.

The editorial urged major powers, including the United States and China, to play a more active diplomatic role. It also pointed to China’s strategic interests in the region and suggested Beijing could step forward as a mediator.

Despite past failed attempts at peace, the Financial Times stressed that the risks are too high for the world to remain disengaged.

Marking World Water Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday stressed that access to safe water and sanitation is essential for protecting the rights and health of women and girls, urging governments to take stronger action.

In his message, the Secretary-General warned that women and girls bear the greatest burden where water and sanitation services are inadequate. Many are forced to use unsafe facilities, care for relatives affected by waterborne diseases and spend hours each day collecting water—often missing out on education and opportunities.

Highlighting this year’s theme, “Where water flows, equality grows,” Guterres said improving water access can play a key role in advancing gender equality.

He called on governments to boost investment in water and sanitation systems by improving service delivery, strengthening workforce capacity and ensuring sustainable financing. He also urged developed nations to support these efforts by sharing technology, expertise and funding to build resilient infrastructure.

The UN chief emphasized the importance of including women in decision-making processes to ensure water systems effectively meet community needs.

While noting that water scarcity can contribute to conflict, Guterres said it can also foster cooperation and peace. He pointed to the upcoming UN Water Conference as an opportunity for countries to accelerate progress toward universal access to water and sanitation.

“Together, let’s make water a force for gender equality,” he said, calling for global efforts to ensure no community is left behind.