Pakistan and Afghanistan Pledge Cooperation Against Wrongful Activities

In a noteworthy development, Pakistan and Afghanistan have mutually assured that their territories will not be used as launching pads for terrorism or any other illicit operations.

This commitment was made during a series of meetings between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghan leaders during his visit to Kabul on Saturday.

Key Outcomes of the Kabul Visit

Ishaq Dar stated that a crucial decision was reached to implement a track and trace system by June 30th of this year. This system aims to expedite cross-border trade between the two nations.

Both sides concurred on bolstering bilateral trade, transit, and economic collaboration for the shared prosperity of their citizens.

Extensive Discussions Held

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held detailed discussions with Acting Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund, Afghan DPM Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi, and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

According to a statement from the Foreign Office, the discussions covered a wide array of topics related to bilateral relations. Emphasis was placed on creating strategies to enhance cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, including security, trade, transit, connectivity, and interpersonal relations.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the significance of addressing all relevant issues, especially those concerning security and border management, to fully unlock the potential of regional trade and connectivity.

Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to nurturing mutually beneficial relations and agreed to maintain consistent high-level communication.

The Deputy Prime Minister engaged with Afghan leaders on a range of issues of shared interest, including peace, security, and people-to-people connections.

They committed to ongoing collaboration to fully realize regional economic development opportunities, including through the implementation of trans-regional connectivity projects.

Ishaq Dar also mentioned the agreement to organize regular trade exhibitions and facilitate the exchange of trade delegations to sustain trade facilitation efforts for the mutual advantage of both countries.

He mentioned that a cross-stuffing facility will initially be available for 500 containers per month starting June 30th this year as a pilot project to help decrease transit trade costs.

The minister also announced that the ITTMS (Integrated Transit Trade Management System) system in Torkham will also be put into operation by June 30th this year.

Regarding the repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, Ishaq Dar assured that the government is ensuring the process is conducted with dignity and respect for all individuals.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have pledged to prevent their territories from being used by malicious actors to carry out attacks or illegal activities against each other, emphasizing that both countries will take appropriate action in such cases.

The two leaders addressed various matters of mutual interest, including peace, security, and interpersonal relations. They agreed to strengthen bilateral trade, transit, and economic cooperation, benefiting the populations of both nations.

They consented to ongoing collaboration to achieve the full potential of regional economic development, including through the realization of trans-regional connectivity projects.

According to the Afghanistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Afghan Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi conveyed his deep concern and regret regarding the situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and their forced deportation during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in Kabul on Saturday.

The Afghan Foreign Ministry urged Pakistani authorities to prevent the erosion of the rights of Afghans residing in or entering Pakistan, according to their statement.

Muttaqi stated that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is keen to expand trade, transit, and joint projects with neighboring Pakistan, emphasizing the need for concrete steps to resolve issues and improve facilities in these areas.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Ishaq Dar, extended an invitation to the Afghan Foreign Minister to conduct an official visit to Pakistan to continue the high-level dialogue.

Ishaq Dar noted that tariffs on numerous trade goods have been reduced to boost bilateral trade, and effective measures will be implemented to improve the transportation of commercial goods. He affirmed his government’s commitment to further expanding bilateral trade and transit with Afghanistan and pledged to provide the necessary facilities.

The Deputy Prime Minister assured that Afghan refugees will be treated with respect and that serious measures will be taken to ensure their well-being. He added that the properties and assets of Afghan refugees are their own and will be protected, with Pakistani security agencies preventing any arbitrary actions in this regard.

The discussions covered issues such as enhancing diplomatic relations, coordination, joint cooperation, increasing and facilitating visas, rapid transportation of agricultural products, promoting trade and transit, and the importance of major projects like the Afghan Trans rail line, CASA-1000, TAPI, and TAP.

It was also agreed to establish joint committees to monitor the aforementioned issues and identify effective solutions to challenges between the two countries.

Delegation-level talks were also conducted at the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Deputy Prime Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar departed for Kabul on Saturday morning for his first official visit to Afghanistan, leading a high-level delegation that included the Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Sadiq Khan, SAPM Tariq Bajwa, Federal Secretaries for Commerce, Railways, and Interior, along with other senior officials.