Pakistan will never use nuclear weapons against Afghanistan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi said.

According to him, Pakistan is a responsible nuclear power and does not consider the use of such weapons against Afghanistan, which he described as a brotherly nation.

The diplomat also stated that Islamabad believes Russia could play a role in facilitating a settlement of the conflict with Afghanistan. He noted that Moscow has traditionally maintained friendly relations with Pakistan and also has contacts with the Taliban*. Pakistan would welcome any mediation efforts, as it does not seek war.

At the same time, Tirmizi clarified that Islamabad has not formally asked Moscow to act as a mediator, although it considers such a possibility acceptable.

* Taliban — a terrorist organization banned in the Russian Federation.