Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Kabul on Saturday for a one-day visit aimed at addressing ongoing security concerns between the two neighboring countries.
This visit follows the recent Pak-Afghan Joint Coordination Committee meeting, during which Pakistan's delegation, led by Ambassador Sadiq Khan, discussed mutual interests, including security and economic cooperation.
Dar stresses 'brotherly ties'
Before his departure, Dar underscored the deep-rooted brotherly ties shared by Pakistan and Afghanistan, stressing the need to further bolster these relations.
Speaking to the media, he remarked, "Our two countries have a long-standing and deeply ingrained bond, which we aim to strengthen further for the mutual benefit of our people and the region."
The primary focus of the visit is to discuss Pakistan’s growing concerns over terrorism, particularly cross-border attacks that have been blamed on militant groups operating within Afghanistan. Dar expressed his intention to address these issues in depth during meetings with Afghan officials.
"Our security is of paramount importance, and the safety of our people and their properties is our top priority. We have serious concerns regarding terrorism, which we intend to discuss with our Afghan counterparts," he said.
During his visit, Dar is expected to hold talks with key Afghan leaders, including Acting Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Acting Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi, and Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. These high-level discussions aim to explore ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas of security, trade, and economic development.
The Pakistani embassy in Kabul confirmed that Dar was received at the airport by Afghan government dignitaries, along with Pakistan’s Head of Mission in Afghanistan, Ambassador Obaidur Rehman Nizamani. A statement from the Foreign Office highlighted that the visit is an effort to promote goodwill and strengthen ties, particularly in light of recent tensions between the two nations.
Dar also touched upon the economic opportunities that exist between Pakistan and Afghanistan, including trade, investment, and regional connectivity. He pointed to the potential of linking Pakistan with Central Asia through rail, emphasizing that Afghanistan’s involvement is crucial for the success of such initiatives.
“The trade potential between our two countries remains largely untapped. There are significant opportunities for economic growth, but we cannot build the necessary infrastructure, such as the railway link with Central Asia, without Afghanistan's partnership,” Dar explained.
The visit comes at a time of heightened tensions, including issues like the deportation of Afghan refugees, border clashes, and the increased presence of armed groups operating within Pakistan. Islamabad has repeatedly raised concerns that these groups are being harbored in Afghanistan, a claim that Afghan officials have denied, maintaining that Afghan soil is not being used against any other nation.
Earlier this week, a high-level delegation from Afghanistan, led by Acting Minister for Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi, visited Pakistan to discuss ways to foster bilateral trade relations. Dar highlighted the importance of these talks, noting that both sides are committed to improving economic and trade cooperation.
In his remarks, Dar reiterated that the message he carried to Kabul was one of goodwill, emphasizing that Pakistan and Afghanistan, as Muslim neighbors, should work together for the prosperity of both nations.
"We should focus on economic development and the betterment of our people, and it is essential that we stand together in these efforts," he concluded.
