Pak-Afghan won’t let territories be used for terrorism
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar paid an official visit to Kabul, where he held high-level meetings with the Afghan leadership to strengthen bilateral relations boost trade and enhance regional security.
The delegation comprises Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Sadiq Khan, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, federal secretaries for commerce, railways and interior, as well as other senior officials, the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a press release.
During his meeting with Acting Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi, the two leaders engaged in detailed discussions on peace, security, trade, and people-to-people connections. Both sides expressed a strong commitment to deepen cooperation in all areas for the benefit of their peoples and agreed to continue contacts for regional economic development.
Ishaq Dar emphasized the importance of enhancing mutual trade and transit facilities between the two neighbouring countries. He announced that the much-anticipated Transit Track and Trade System would become operational on June 30. This system, designed to accelerate the flow of Afghan transit goods, is expected to significantly ease bilateral trade and reduce logistical costs.
Addressing a press conference in Kabul separately, Dar noted that four key decisions have been made regarding the repatriation of Afghan refugees, stressing that the return process will be carried out with full respect.
He said the government would issue a notification within 48 hours, including a contact number for refugees to report any grievances faced during repatriation. He assured that any complaints of mistreatment during the return journey would be addressed.
The foreign minister further said that reports have emerged about returning Afghan nationals facing difficulties in selling their properties. “The government has issued no directive preventing the purchase of properties from Afghan refugees,” he clarified.
Dar confirmed that Afghan refugees will be allowed to take all their household belongings with them upon departure.
On bilateral cooperation, he emphasised the need for both Pakistan and Afghanistan to work together for peace and development in the region. “We must not allow our soil to be used against each other,” he asserted.
“If anyone attempts to use our territory against the other, both countries will be responsible for taking strict action against such elements within their borders,” Dar added.
The deputy prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s strong stance against terrorism and affirmed that both countries will not allow their territory to be used for terror-related activities.
“Afghanistan is committed to ensuring that no one uses its land against Pakistan, and we will do the same,” said Dar. “If such incidents occur, both countries will take joint and immediate action.”
Dar emphasized that peace and security are shared responsibilities and vital for regional development. “We must work together to ensure a peaceful and stable future for our people.”
Before his departure earlier today, the deputy prime minister addressed the media at Noor Khan Airbase and spoke about the significance of Pakistan’s relationship with its western neighbour.
“Afghanistan is a neighbouring Muslim country and Pakistan has longstanding and historic ties with it,” he said. “Our [Pakistan and Afghanistan’s] relationship has been like that of two brothers, as they are joined together — and it should remain like this.”
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the discussions focused on regional security, boosting trade and transit, and increasing cross-border connectivity.
“There has been some coldness in the ties recently, primarily due to the security of Pakistan, the safety of our people’s lives and property and the most important concern for Pakistan — terrorism,” he added.
Despite the challenges, the deputy prime minister expressed optimism about the economic and trade potential between the two nations.
“There are countless trade and economic opportunities between the two countries. We can connect to the Central Asian countries via railway from Afghanistan,” Dar noted. “However, this idea cannot be realised unless there is a proper department of railways in Afghanistan.”
He lamented that the current economic potential of the Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship wae not neing fully utilized and stressed the need for greater cooperation.
“I’m going with goodwill, and I will try to bring these two Muslim countries closer together. We must do whatever is possible for the economic progress and betterment of our people through mutual cooperation.”
During his visit, Ishaq dar is scheduled to hold meeting with Afghanistan’s top leadership to discuss bilateral relations, and regional stability.
Earlier, Dar arrived in Kabul on Saturday for a one-day visit aimed at addressing ongoing security concerns between the two neighbouring 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.
