In a move to address long-standing concerns, Islamabad and Kabul have agreed to collaborate on resolving issues related to terrorism and border security. This agreement follows the Afghan Taliban government’s concerns about the deportation of undocumented Afghan nationals by Pakistan. Both sides have committed to ensuring a dignified and orderly process for the repatriation of refugees.
This breakthrough emerged during a day-long visit to Kabul by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, marking his first official trip to Afghanistan since assuming office. The visit was aimed at easing tensions and reinvigorating security cooperation between the two countries.
During his talks with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Dar discussed a wide range of bilateral issues, focusing heavily on rebuilding trust and improving coordination in security, trade, transit, and regional connectivity. Dar emphasized that addressing cross-border security concerns and managing the porous border was essential for unlocking regional economic potential.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining diplomatic communication and continuing high-level exchanges to address shared challenges. In a significant development, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to address the issue of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) through mutual understanding and collaborative mechanisms. The two nations decided to form a joint committee comprising intelligence officials, interior ministry representatives, and staff from Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul. This committee will work directly with Afghan counterparts on counterterrorism and border management, especially given the recent rise in cross-border militancy affecting Pakistan’s Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions.
Dar also met with Acting Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund, where the focus remained on rebuilding trust and exploring new areas for cooperation, including security, trade, and transit. Both sides stressed the importance of confidence-building measures and people-to-people exchanges.
In another meeting, Dar and Acting Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi discussed mutual concerns, including peace and security, economic cooperation, and regional connectivity. They agreed to strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties, working together on regional development and trans-regional connectivity projects.
Throughout the visit, Pakistan assured that Afghan refugees would not be forcibly repatriated. The two nations also discussed the repatriation process in detail, addressing the rights and protection of refugees and agreeing on a phased, mutually agreed return strategy.
The Afghan side raised concerns about the treatment of refugees in Pakistan, with Foreign Minister Muttaqi expressing regret over their deportation. He urged Pakistani authorities to safeguard the rights of Afghan nationals and prevent the erosion of their freedoms. Dar reassured that no Afghan refugee would face mistreatment and confirmed that Pakistan would take necessary measures to ensure their safety and protect their property.
On trade relations, Dar announced that Pakistan had reduced tariffs on various trade goods, further facilitating commercial exchanges between the two nations. Both sides also discussed the progress of key regional projects, such as the CASA-1000 MW electricity project, the Central Asia-Pakistan railway, and the facilitation of transit trade.
At the conclusion of the visit, both ministers expressed hope that the agreements made would lead to tangible benefits in areas like economy, politics, and connectivity. Dar stressed that resolving economic challenges and fostering cooperation on migration issues were essential priorities. The two sides agreed to establish joint committees to follow up on these decisions and work toward effective solutions to ongoing bilateral challenges.
