Pakistan Opts for Diplomatic Engagement with Afghanistan to Address Security Concerns
Pakistan has decided to pursue further diplomatic dialogue with Afghanistan’s interim Taliban government to address key issues, including the presence of terrorist sanctuaries across the border. The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday.
According to a Foreign Office statement, Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, provided a detailed briefing on his recent visit to Kabul, outlining discussions with Afghan authorities on bilateral cooperation. Foreign Minister Dar stressed the importance of sustained engagement with Afghanistan to resolve mutual concerns while strengthening diplomatic ties.
The move follows Ambassador Sadiq’s recommendations for improving relations with Afghanistan, with his assessment of the Kabul trip described as positive. Tensions between the two countries have persisted for months, primarily due to Pakistan’s allegations that the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operates from Afghan soil. Islamabad has repeatedly linked the surge in terrorist attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to militants based in Afghanistan.
In a carefully worded statement, the Foreign Office refrained from directly mentioning the TTP or cross-border terrorism, instead emphasizing cooperation. Ambassador Sadiq met with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, on March 22, where both sides discussed peace, security, trade, and people-to-people ties.
Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with Afghanistan, highlighting the need to address security concerns to strengthen bilateral relations. The two sides agreed to increase high-level dialogue and explore opportunities for enhanced trade and regional connectivity.
Ambassador Sadiq also held talks with Afghanistan’s Acting Commerce Minister, Nooruddin Azizi, focusing on economic collaboration and transit agreements. Both nations agreed to maximize regional trade potential for mutual benefit.
Upon his return, Sadiq briefed Foreign Minister Dar, who expressed satisfaction with the discussions and directed further efforts to solidify ties through enhanced diplomatic and economic cooperation.
