Washington signals possible role in easing Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged Pakistan’s concerns over militant attacks allegedly originating in Afghanistan and indicated that Washington could assist if it identified a constructive role. He made the remarks during a press interaction in Atlanta following the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting.

Rubio said Islamabad believes Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have not done enough to prevent attacks from territory under their control. He also noted that Pakistan had responded to the perceived threat, reflecting Washington’s awareness of the security dispute driving the latest escalation between the neighbouring countries.

The secretary of state said the United States did not want Pakistan to become a target of terrorism and had examined some of the attacks cited by Islamabad. He added that Washington opposed terrorism regardless of where it originated or whom it targeted.

His comments did not amount to an announcement of formal mediation or a new diplomatic initiative. Rubio made any potential American involvement conditional on whether Washington could play a productive role, while acknowledging that US relations with the Afghan Taliban remain limited.

Pakistan has repeatedly asked Kabul to take verifiable action against the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and other militant networks it says operate from Afghan territory. Taliban officials deny allowing Afghanistan to be used as a base for attacks and have instead accused Islamabad of following policies that have worsened bilateral relations.

The dispute has resisted several diplomatic efforts. Negotiations facilitated by Qatar and Turkiye failed to produce an enforceable security arrangement, while later engagement involving China also brought no publicly confirmed breakthrough. Russia has separately indicated that it could help facilitate discussions if both governments request its involvement.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has said Islamabad remains open to sincere assistance from friendly countries but will not enter talks without conditions addressing its security concerns. Officials maintain that any sustainable dialogue must include measurable action against militant groups accused of planning and conducting attacks inside Pakistan.

The diplomatic exchanges are taking place alongside intermittent border violence. Pakistani and Afghan forces have traded accusations over firing and strikes near Kurram and Angoor Adda in Lower South Waziristan, while civilians living close to the frontier remain exposed to the consequences of further escalation.

Washington’s acknowledgement gives Islamabad diplomatic support for its stated concerns, but the practical effect will depend on whether the United States pursues direct engagement with Pakistan, Kabul or other regional mediators. The immediate priority remains preventing new border clashes while establishing a mechanism through which security allegations can be investigated and militant activity addressed.