Kabul– Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his official visit to Kabul. The high-level meeting took place on the sidelines of a trilateral conference, where Pakistan is participating with a full delegation.
Both leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including trade, security cooperation, and transit agreements. The talks aimed to boost regional connectivity, a shared priority for both countries.
Dar emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. He called for sustained diplomatic engagement to resolve outstanding issues and strengthen people-to-people ties.
Muttaqi appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting dialogue and offered reciprocal support for deeper economic and strategic cooperation.
Focus on Trade and Transit
The two sides agreed to expand trade volumes and streamline cross-border transport. Special attention was given to improving border infrastructure and customs management. Both countries acknowledged that smoother logistics could lead to stronger economies and regional integration.
Officials also discussed security along the border, which remains a concern for both nations. They pledged coordinated efforts to curb smuggling, terrorism, and illegal crossings.
In addition, both parties expressed interest in reviving stalled infrastructure projects. The CASA-1000 energy corridor and other transit routes were discussed as potential game-changers for the region’s economic outlook.
Path Forward
Dar stressed that future engagement must be consistent and institutionalized. He suggested regular meetings between foreign ministries to avoid miscommunication and manage crises better.
The meeting took place against a backdrop of recent tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. However, both governments now appear to be taking steps toward diplomatic normalization.
Analysts have welcomed the development as timely and constructive. With global and regional dynamics shifting rapidly, they argue that a stable Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship is vital for South Asia’s peace and prosperity.
Dar’s visit, and the positive tone of the Kabul talks, signal a potential thaw in ties.
Ultimately, both sides recognized that economic growth and political stability in the region depend heavily on stronger regional connectivity — not isolation.
