Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peaceful and stable relations with Afghanistan, stressing that dialogue and regional cooperation are key to promoting long-term stability.

The remarks were made by Murtaza Solangi, spokesperson for the President of Pakistan, during the international conference, Pakistan in a Transforming Geopolitical Environment, hosted by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).

Solangi said Islamabad remains committed to peaceful ties with Afghanistan and has consistently supported the Afghan people. He added that Pakistan does not want Afghan territory to be used as a safe haven for militant groups and emphasized the need to work together to strengthen regional peace and security.

He also welcomed mediation efforts by China, Türkiye and Qatar aimed at improving relations between Islamabad and Kabul, saying Pakistan supports dialogue as the best way to address bilateral challenges.

Highlighting the importance of regional integration, Solangi described Afghanistan as a vital link in efforts to enhance connectivity and economic cooperation across the region.

The conference featured a session titled Afghanistan, Central Asia and the Future of Regional Stability, where officials, diplomats and regional experts discussed security, trade links and opportunities for greater regional cooperation.

The event was organized by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), and focused on geopolitical developments shaping South and Central Asia.

Argentina scored two late goals to defeat England 2-1 in a dramatic FIFA World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday, booking their place in Sunday’s final against Spain.

England looked set to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon gave his side the lead early in the second half. However, the defending champions staged a remarkable comeback, with Enzo Fernandez equalising in the 85th minute before substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home Lionel Messi’s cross deep into stoppage time.

The victory sends Argentina into the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where they will face European champions Spain. England will take on France in Saturday’s third-place play-off.

The opening half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams cancelling each other out and creating few clear scoring opportunities.

England broke the deadlock 10 minutes after the restart when Harry Kane helped launch an attack that ended with Morgan Rogers delivering a low cross for Gordon to calmly finish at the far post.

Argentina gradually took control of the match, forcing England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into several important saves. Nico Gonzalez was denied by the England keeper before Alexis Mac Allister struck the woodwork as the South Americans piled on the pressure.

Their persistence paid off five minutes from full time when Messi found Fernandez on the edge of the penalty area. The midfielder controlled the ball before firing a powerful strike beyond Pickford to level the score.

With momentum firmly in their favour, Argentina continued to press for a winner. Mac Allister hit the post for a second time before Messi collected the rebound and delivered a cross for Martinez, who headed home in the second minute of stoppage time to complete the comeback.

Argentina will now attempt to retain the World Cup title they won in Qatar, while England were left to reflect on another heartbreaking exit after surrendering their lead in the closing stages.