ISLAMABAD, March 25: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed strong support for continuing diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan to resolve outstanding issues, particularly those related to security and trade.
Dar emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue between Pakistan and the interim Afghan government to address Pakistan’s concerns and foster better bilateral relations.
Key Points from the Meeting:
Sustained Dialogue:
Ishaq Dar highlighted the need for ongoing talks with the Afghan government, focusing on addressing Pakistan’s security concerns and enhancing bilateral relations.
The meeting was attended by senior foreign ministry officials, including Foreign Secretary Amina Baloch.
Talks with Kabul on Trade: Special Representative’s Visit to Kabul:
During the meeting, Muhammad Sadiq, Special Representative on Afghanistan, provided a detailed briefing on his three-day visit to Kabul.
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His trip included meetings with Taliban officials, such as Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and Trade Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, to discuss issues affecting the relationship between the two countries.
Talks with Kabul on Trade: Security and Border Disputes:
Pakistan’s primary concerns in its relationship with Afghanistan are centered on security issues, particularly the rise in attacks by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
The closure of the Torkham border, which lasted nearly a month, highlighted the significance of border disputes.
The border was reopened temporarily and discussions on border management and security cooperation are set to continue.
Afghanistan’s Emphasis on Trade:
While acknowledging Pakistan’s security concerns, Afghan officials stressed the importance of trade and transit for Afghanistan, a landlocked country dependent on regional connectivity.
Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi urged Pakistan not to link trade issues with other ongoing disputes, a stance Afghanistan has consistently maintained.
Talks with Kabul on Trade: Economic Cooperation:
Economic cooperation emerged as a key area of discussion during Mr. Sadiq’s visit.
He emphasized that Pakistan and Afghanistan’s economic interests are closely intertwined and that peace and stability in Afghanistan are crucial for regional stability.
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Both countries are committed to enhancing bilateral trade and regional connectivity.
Joint Coordination Committee:
As a result of Mr. Sadiq’s visit, both countries agreed to convene a Joint Coordination Committee meeting potentially before April 15 to focus on strengthening trade and economic ties.
There will also be consultations between trade ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan before Eidul Fitr, with Afghanistan’s commerce minister expected to visit Pakistan after the holiday.
Normalizing Trade Relations:
Discussions also focused on the importance of normalizing trade relations, finalizing the Preferential Trade Agreement, and resolving outstanding issues under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit and Trade Agreement.
Revival of Ishaq Dar’s Visit to Kabul:
The plan for Ishaq Dar’s visit to Kabul, which had previously been delayed, was revived and discussed during the meetings, signaling the continued importance of high-level engagement between the two countries.
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Overall, the meeting underscored the dual importance of security and economic cooperation in the Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship, with both sides agreeing to continue dialogue and work towards resolving their differences, particularly in trade and border management.
