Russian Ambassador: Pashto Language Could Serve as a Bridge for Reconciliation Between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Albert Khourf, the Russian ambassador to Pakistan, stated at the unveiling ceremony of the book “Advanced Practical Pashto Grammar” that the Pashto language has the potential to become a language of reconciliation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Referring to the linguistic commonalities between the two countries, he emphasized the importance of paying attention to this language as a tool to enhance mutual understanding and reduce conflicts.
Khourf said that the event was held at the Russian embassy with the aim of drawing the attention of leaders and political elites of both countries to the shared linguistic and cultural ties among the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to him, such an initiative could demonstrate Russia’s role in peace efforts between Islamabad and Kabul.
The Russian ambassador also compared Pashto to the Russian language in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, adding that Pashto could play a similar role in reconciling the two neighboring countries. Pashto is one of the official languages in Afghanistan, and a large portion of the population in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and parts of Balochistan in Pakistan speak this language.
Additionally, Pashtun communities in both countries have extensive cultural and ethnic connections that can serve as a foundation for bringing the two nations closer. In Pakistan, Pashtun-focused political parties such as the Awami National Party and the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party work to preserve the linguistic and identity rights of this ethnic group.
These remarks come amid serious challenges in relations between Kabul and Islamabad due to security allegations against armed groups and accusations of using each other’s territories for attacks. The book unveiling ceremony was also attended by the ambassador of the Kabul government in Islamabad, university professors, and representatives of Pakistani media.
