WEBDESK: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, arrived in Kabul on Saturday for important talks with top officials of Afghanistan’s interim Taliban government, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said.
Ishaq Dar is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Pakistan’s interior secretary, railways secretary, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Federal Board of Revenue. During his visit, Ishaq Dar is expected to meet acting Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund along with other top leaders.
Talks will include a meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, with formal negotiations taking place at the delegation level.
“The visit reflects Pakistan’s continued commitment to a stable and cooperative relationship with Afghanistan,” the ministry said.
The main goal of Ishaq Dar’s visit is to strengthen cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. Talks will focus on several key areas such as trade, regional connectivity, border security, and people-to-people ties. A major concern for Pakistan is the presence of terrorist groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who are believed to be operating from Afghan soil.
“During the day-long visit, he will call on the Afghan Acting Prime Minister; meet Afghan Acting Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs; and hold delegation-level talks with Acting Foreign Minister,” foreign office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan earlier told reporters.
Pakistan recently launched a new crackdown to deport Afghans living illegally in the country. Over 80,000 Afghan nationals have already returned to Afghanistan since April 1 after a deadline for voluntary return expired.
In response to a question, Khan said that all key issues – including concerns over terrorist safe havens – will be discussed.
Despite recent tensions, Ishaq Dar’s visit highlights Pakistan’s desire to keep communication open and maintain peaceful relations with its neighbour. Both sides are expected to discuss ways to enhance mutual trust and address security and economic concerns.
