Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Saturday that Pakistan and Afghanistan have mutually agreed not to permit their territories to be used for terrorism or any unlawful activities against each other. He emphasized that both countries bear the responsibility of taking action against any such threats.
Dar made the statement during his day-long visit to Kabul, aimed at addressing key security issues and easing tensions that have persisted between the two neighbors. His trip followed the recent Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Coordination Committee meeting held in the Afghan capital, where Ambassador Sadiq Khan led Pakistan’s delegation.
Speaking at a press conference after high-level discussions, Dar said, “We have clearly communicated to our Afghan counterparts that neither country should allow their land to be used for any harmful activities targeting the other. If such acts occur, both sides are accountable for acting against those responsible.”
He thanked the Afghan government for their warm hospitality and extended an invitation to Afghan officials to visit Pakistan. “As I consider Afghanistan my second home, so too is Pakistan their second home,” Dar remarked.
He stressed the importance of continuous dialogue, active diplomacy, and functional committees in resolving bilateral challenges effectively.
High-Level Engagements in Kabul
Dar held detailed discussions with acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, covering a wide range of topics including border security, trade, regional connectivity, and people-to-people ties. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO), both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in all areas of shared interest.
Later, Dar met with acting Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund, and separately with Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi. Talks focused on boosting economic collaboration, trade, and infrastructure projects that support regional integration.
Dar and the Afghan leaders agreed to increase bilateral trade, ease transit procedures, and jointly explore major regional connectivity projects like CASA-1000, TAPI, TAP, and the Afghan Trans Rail Line. Joint committees will be formed to track progress and address issues effectively.
Afghan Concerns on Refugees
The Afghan Foreign Ministry, in a statement, expressed concern over the treatment and deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. Muttaqi urged Islamabad to safeguard the rights of Afghans living in the country and to prevent any seizure of their property.
In response, Dar assured that Afghan refugees would be treated with dignity, adding that Pakistan would take serious steps to protect their rights and property. He stressed that no arbitrary actions would be allowed and that Pakistan’s security agencies had been instructed accordingly.
The meeting also discussed ways to enhance diplomatic engagement, streamline visa processes, and ensure the smooth transport of goods—particularly agricultural products—between the two countries.
A Message of Goodwill
Speaking to the media before his departure, Dar said that despite recent tensions—including cross-border incidents and accusations of terrorist activity originating from Afghan soil—the two nations must work together to ensure regional peace and prosperity.
He noted that improved economic cooperation, trade, and infrastructure development were in the interest of both countries and highlighted the potential for rail connectivity with Central Asia via Afghanistan.
Dar also referenced earlier trade talks with Afghan Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi, who had led a high-level delegation to Pakistan earlier in the week.
He concluded by saying, “Both Muslim countries must partner closely for the well-being and economic progress of their people.”
Deputy Prime Minister Dar was received at the airport by senior Afghan officials and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ubaidur Rehman Nizamani.
