Stalled Border Talks Resume After 16 Months Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Kabul – 16 April: Pakistan and Afghanistan resumed formal bilateral dialogue after 16 months, with a high-level meeting of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) held in Kabul on Tuesday. The meeting marked a cautious but significant step toward improving regional security, trade cooperation, and cross-border coordination.

Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, led the visiting delegation. The Afghan side was headed by Deputy Defence Minister Mullah Abdul Qayyum Zakir.

The session built on earlier talks held in Islamabad in January 2024. Delegates from both countries focused on key areas such as border management, counter-terrorism coordination, and boosting economic connectivity. Sources in Kabul described the meeting as a “positive step” toward resolving shared concerns.

The talks came amid growing regional tensions. Both sides face persistent threats from cross-border attacks allegedly carried out by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch militant outfits. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Kabul of offering safe haven to these groups, while Afghan officials object to Pakistani military actions along the border.

In addition to security concerns, economic issues also took center stage. Officials discussed easing trade bottlenecks and reopening border crossings to support bilateral commerce. This is particularly critical for landlocked Afghanistan, which relies heavily on trade routes through Pakistan.

Islamabad has also resumed the second phase of its drive to repatriate undocumented Afghans. Many have lived in Pakistan for decades. Kabul has accepted the policy reluctantly, with some Afghan officials calling for a more structured and humane return mechanism.

As part of a broader push to restore confidence, Afghan Consul General Hafiz Muhib addressed a rare press conference in Peshawar. He emphasized the need for constructive dialogue and peaceful co-existence.

Meanwhile, a separate Afghan delegation led by Minister for Industry and Commerce Noor Uddin Azizi also arrived in Islamabad. The group includes officials from finance, foreign affairs, civil aviation, agriculture, and private sector bodies. The delegation aims to strengthen trade and investment links during its multi-day visit.

Officials from both sides, on Pakistan-Afghanistan border talks, signaled cautious optimism about continued engagement. However, challenges remain, especially in ensuring consistent cooperation on border stability and cross-border militancy.

The revival of the JCC process signals that, despite tensions, both nations recognize the urgency of dialogue in addressing mutual threats and economic interdependence.

Disclaimer: This report on Afghanistan-Pakistan border talks resume, is based on verified field information and open-source updates.