Islamabad’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign minister Ishaq Dar engaged in crucial talks with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday, focusing on security, border management, and regional trade, according too Pakistan’s Foreign Office.

Dar’s Kabul Visit: addressing Security Concerns and Trade Opportunities

Mr. Dar’s day-long visit to Kabul aimed to address Islamabad’s pressing security concerns and explore potential trade and investment opportunities.This visit occurs against a backdrop of strained relations between the two neighboring countries.

Rising Militancy and Accusations

The discussions took place amidst escalating militancy within Pakistan, which Islamabad attributes to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Allegations persist that the Afghan Taliban provide sanctuaries to the group, claims that Kabul has consistently denied.

Dar’s visit is seen as a continuation of Pakistan’s efforts to engage with Afghanistan despite frosty ties.

Deportation Drive and soured relations

Adding to the complexity, Pakistan has intensified its campaign to deport individuals it identifies as “illegal immigrants,” predominantly Afghan nationals. These individuals are accused, without concrete evidence, of involvement in suicide attacks and militancy, further straining the relationship between the two nations.

Key Discussion Points

The Foreign Office detailed the scope of the discussions:

• extensive review of bilateral relations.
• Strategies for enhanced cooperation in security, trade, transit, and connectivity.
• Emphasis on people-to-people contacts.

The discussions encompassed a comprehensive range of topics pertaining to bilateral relations, underscoring the need to devise strategies for enhancing cooperation across diverse areas of mutual interest, including security, trade, transit, connectivity, and people-to-people contacts,
Pakistan’s Foreign Office

Focus on Security and Border Management

Mr. Dar underscored the critical need to address security and border management issues to unlock the full potential of regional trade and connectivity.

Dar stressed the importance of addressing all issues between the two countries, especially those related to security and border management, to fully realize the potential for regional trade and connectivity,
Pakistan’s Foreign Office

Commitment to Mutual Relations

Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to fostering mutually beneficial relations and agreed to maintain high-level engagement.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relations and agreed on the importance of maintaining high-level engagement,
pakistan’s Foreign Office

Meeting with afghan Prime Minister

The deputy prime minister was also scheduled to meet Afghanistan’s Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund.

Acknowledging “Coldness” in Ties

Before departing for Kabul, Mr. Dar acknowledged the recent “coldness” in relations between the two countries.

I believe the security of Pakistan, its people, their lives and properties, is very vital. So one of our concerns is regarding terrorism,which we will discuss,
Ishaq Dar,speaking to Pakistan Television

Economic and Trade Potential

Mr. Dar highlighted the notable potential for economic, trade, and investment opportunities between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Our connection with Central Asian states can be established thru rail links, but that’s not possible unless Afghanistan becomes a partner in this,
Ishaq Dar

Looking Ahead

Mr.Dar’s visit underscores Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to engage with Afghanistan, address mutual concerns, and explore avenues for cooperation.