Albert Khorev, Russia's ambassador to Pakistan, said that the Pashto language, as a shared language, can help foster mutual understanding and reconciliation between Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Mr. Khorev made the remarks on Tuesday, October 27, during a ceremony at the Russian embassy in Islamabad to unveil the book "Advanced Practical Pashto Grammar." He added that this initiative is an attempt by Moscow to help resolve the growing disputes between Islamabad and the Taliban government.
Highlighting the importance of a common language in conflict resolution, the Russian ambassador drew a parallel with the war in Russia and Ukraine, stating that just as the Russian language could help reconcile the two countries, Pashto could play a similar role in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Pashto is spoken by millions on both sides of the Durand Line.
He emphasized that the event's purpose was to draw the attention of both countries' leaders to this shared cultural and linguistic element. The suggestion comes at a time of strained relations between the Taliban government and Pakistan over security issues, particularly the activities of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The book's author, Hafiz-ur-Rehman Duran, and the Taliban government's ambassador to Pakistan, Sardar Ahmad Shakib, were also present at the ceremony. The Russian embassy stated that the book was produced to address the lack of modern educational resources on Pashto grammar and to encourage students in Russia to learn the language.
In recent months, Russia has sought to play a mediating role in the region, and this cultural-diplomatic initiative is viewed in that context. It remains to be seen whether this linguistic proposal can lead to a reduction in political tensions between the two neighboring countries. Source: Russian Embassy in Pakistan
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