Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to sustain constructive dialogue in an effort to resolve ongoing bilateral matters. This breakthrough came during high-level meetings held in Kabul on Saturday, marking a pivotal development after a prolonged period of tension between the neighboring nations.
The visit followed the recent session of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Coordination Committee, also held in Kabul, where Pakistan was represented by Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Ambassador Sadiq Khan.
As per Foreign Office, Ishaq Dar held detailed talks with Afghan acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Their dialogue covered a wide array of bilateral matters, including cooperation in security, trade, transit routes, regional connectivity, and interpersonal exchanges.
The FO statement noted that both sides pledged to pursue mutually beneficial relations through continued engagement.
In a separate meeting with Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi, both leaders reiterated their determination to strengthen trade, transit, and economic integration for the prosperity of their citizens. They also committed to staying engaged on regional development efforts, including cross-border connectivity projects.
Speaking to media prior to his return, Dar noted that Pakistan and Afghanistan share historic and fraternal bonds which must be nurtured. He acknowledged Pakistan’s deep-seated concerns over terrorism and stated these would be candidly addressed during the talks.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of Afghanistan in connecting Pakistan to Central Asia, particularly through envisioned rail corridors. Dar stressed that regional trade potential remains largely untapped and that Islamabad is committed to shifting gears in its engagement with Kabul.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions between the two nations, including border skirmishes, deportation of Afghan nationals, and increased militant activity in Pakistan. Islamabad asserts that these militants operate from Afghan territory—an allegation denied by Kabul, which insists that Afghan soil will not be used to threaten any country.
Dar’s visit follows a separate high-level Afghan trade delegation’s trip to Pakistan earlier in the week, led by acting Afghan Minister for Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi. The talks focused on revitalizing commercial and investment ties.