POLITICS & POLICY MAKING
Afghan Chargé d’affaires Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday. The meeting, held at the Foreign Office, focused on the deep-rooted ties between the two neighboring countries and highlighted the importance of strengthening mutually beneficial relations.
This marks the second high-level interaction between Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent weeks, signaling a positive shift in relations after tensions arose over the use of Afghan soil by terrorists carrying out attacks on Pakistan. The first meeting took place between Pakistan's Chargé d'affaires in Kabul, Obaid Nizamani, and Taliban Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob.
The discussions between Shakeeb and Dar were centered around key issues, including counterterrorism cooperation, trade relations, and regional connectivity. Pakistan has consistently raised concerns about cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, with reports suggesting that the Taliban may be relocating Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters from the border areas to Ghazni. Both sides have expressed a commitment to addressing these security concerns to maintain peace and stability in the region.
In addition to security matters, the Afghan envoy also touched upon issues such as trade and the challenges faced by businessmen, as well as the situation of Afghan refugees and students in Pakistan. The discussions were seen as a step toward addressing longstanding economic and humanitarian concerns, which have often impacted bilateral ties.
The meeting also featured Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, who played a role in facilitating the dialogue. Shakeeb and Sadiq later held separate discussions to further explore avenues for cooperation between the two nations.
The renewed engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan is viewed as a positive development in improving ties that had been strained by security issues. Both countries are keen on fostering better relations and finding common ground on a range of issues, from counterterrorism to trade and refugee management.
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