Overview
- The eighth Moscow Format consultations met in Moscow on Monday, October 5, but organisers did not issue a joint communiqué because Afghan and Pakistani delegations could not agree on language about terrorism.
- Pakistan’s envoy Mohammad Sadiq presented figures saying more than 4,700 Pakistanis were killed in attacks it says originated in Afghanistan and demanded concrete, verifiable action against groups such as the TTP and ISKP.
- Afghan representatives rejected framing Afghanistan predominantly in a terrorist context and accused Pakistan of carrying out air strikes that recent UN reporting says killed Afghan civilians, including women and children.
- Russia used the forum to deepen its public engagement with the Taliban, reiterate support for bilateral cooperation and offer to mediate if Kabul and Islamabad request Moscow’s help.
- Regional participants including India, China, Iran and Central Asian states pushed for sustained humanitarian aid and closer economic ties with Kabul, while coverage shows sharp differences in how governments balance counterterrorism, sovereignty and humanitarian concerns.