Islamabad — Advisor to Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations Barrister Dr. Saif met with Afghanistan’s Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakib in Islamabad on Friday, where the two sides held detailed discussions on regional security, cross-border instability, and the future of bilateral relations.
The meeting, according to officials, touched on matters of mutual interest, with particular focus on the ongoing wave of unrest in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Both sides stressed that lasting stability in the region depends on closer cooperation and mutual trust.
Security at the Forefront
During the discussions, Dr. Saif briefed the Afghan envoy on peace and security measures being implemented under the leadership of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur. He highlighted the provincial government’s efforts to counter militant violence, while also acknowledging the wider regional dimensions of insecurity.
“The peace of Pakistan and Afghanistan is interconnected,” Dr. Saif remarked, stressing that the two neighbors must build stronger relations to confront shared threats. He underlined that both sides should work together for “sustainable peace and prosperity” in the broader region.
The Afghan Ambassador, meanwhile, emphasized that Kabul was willing to cooperate in every possible way to reduce instability. “Lasting peace is in the interest of both countries,” Shakib said, adding that Afghanistan’s government remains ready to support initiatives aimed at stabilizing border areas.
The Role of Tribal Jirgas
One of the central themes of the meeting was the importance of traditional tribal jirgas in resolving conflicts and promoting peace. Dr. Saif argued that jirgas, centuries-old assemblies of tribal elders, could play a constructive role in bridging divides and curbing violence.
He noted that Chief Minister Gandapur had himself convened such jirgas to foster dialogue and reconciliation. “Tribal jirgas will be instrumental in establishing durable peace,” Dr. Saif said, pointing to their historical legitimacy among both Afghan and Pakistani Pashtun communities.
People-to-People Relations
Beyond security, both delegations emphasized the deep historical, cultural, and religious ties linking Afghans and Pakistanis, particularly those living in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Dr. Saif stated that stronger people-to-people connections could become a foundation for peace, helping to counter mistrust between the two states.
“The people of Afghanistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are bound by history and culture. Strengthening these ties at the grassroots level can lay the groundwork for stability,” he said.
The Afghan envoy echoed this sentiment, suggesting that increased trade and economic engagement would also help reduce tensions. Expanding cross-border commerce, he said, could transform bilateral relations from a security-dominated framework into one of economic partnership.
Humanitarian Solidarity
The meeting also addressed humanitarian issues, with Dr. Saif expressing solidarity with Afghans affected by recent natural disasters. He offered prayers for earthquake victims in Afghanistan and assured support for families struggling to rebuild their lives.
This humanitarian gesture was framed as part of Pakistan’s broader commitment to standing by Afghanistan in times of crisis, despite political and security challenges that continue to strain bilateral relations.
Regional Stakes
Analysts note that the Islamabad meeting comes at a sensitive time, as Pakistan grapples with an uptick in militant activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, much of which Islamabad attributes to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) based in Afghanistan. While Kabul has repeatedly denied harboring such groups, cross-border accusations remain a key irritant in relations.
By highlighting the role of jirgas, cultural ties, and trade, Friday’s meeting suggested an attempt to shift the narrative from one of blame to one of shared responsibility. Both sides publicly agreed that regional peace could only be achieved through cooperation rather than confrontation.
A Fragile but Necessary Dialogue
While concrete outcomes from the talks remain limited, observers say such meetings keep communication channels open at a time of heightened mistrust. For Pakistan, ensuring peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not only a domestic security priority but also a litmus test of Afghanistan’s willingness to rein in militant elements.
For Kabul, engagement with Islamabad offers a chance to demonstrate diplomatic goodwill and reduce its international isolation.
The Islamabad dialogue between Barrister Dr. Saif and Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakib reflects the fragile but ongoing effort to manage one of South Asia’s most complex bilateral relationships. Both sides acknowledged the interconnected nature of their security and the necessity of joint efforts to establish peace.
With an emphasis on jirgas, grassroots ties, and economic cooperation, the meeting sought to project optimism in a relationship often clouded by suspicion. Whether these commitments can translate into meaningful progress remains uncertain, but both governments appear to recognize that their destinies, at least in terms of peace and security, remain inextricably linked.
