In a crucial diplomatic move aimed at boosting Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reached Kabul on Saturday for a high-level official visit. Accompanied by a senior delegation, Dar met with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in key areas including trade, security, and regional connectivity.
Warm Reception in Kabul
Upon his arrival, Afghan government officials warmly received the Deputy Prime Minister and his delegation. The one-day visit reflects Pakistan’s growing interest in establishing stable and constructive ties with Afghanistan’s interim leadership amidst evolving regional dynamics.
High-Level Talks with Afghan Leadership
The first major engagement of the visit was a detailed meeting between Ishaq Dar and Amir Khan Muttaqi. Both sides reviewed the current state of bilateral relations and discussed avenues for deepening cooperation. The two leaders emphasized the need for mutual understanding and peaceful engagement in resolving shared challenges, including border security and trade facilitation.
Dar conveyed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with Afghanistan for long-term regional peace and economic stability. He highlighted the importance of trust-building and people-to-people linkages to advance diplomatic goals. The meeting also underscored the importance of uninterrupted dialogue between the two neighbors, particularly in light of ongoing regional tensions and economic pressures.
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Scheduled Meetings with Key Afghan Officials
Later in the day, Dar is scheduled to hold meetings with Afghanistan’s Acting Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund and Acting Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. These meetings aim to further engage the Afghan leadership in collaborative efforts that support both national interests and broader regional objectives.
According to sources, discussions are expected to cover several pressing issues, including counterterrorism cooperation, facilitation of cross-border trade, and humanitarian support. The visit also comes at a time when regional actors are reevaluating their diplomatic strategies toward Afghanistan following recent developments concerning security and migration.
Focus on Trade and Connectivity
Trade and economic connectivity emerged as key themes during Dar’s conversation with Afghan officials. Pakistan has consistently pushed for improved infrastructure and smoother trade flows across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which serve as lifelines for both economies. The leadership on both sides agreed to take practical steps to remove bottlenecks and encourage commercial exchanges, particularly in agriculture, food supplies, and logistics.
Symbol of Renewed Engagement
This visit marks a symbolic step toward reviving structured engagement between Islamabad and Kabul. It signals Pakistan’s readiness to support Afghanistan through peaceful diplomacy and regional integration, even as complex political and humanitarian challenges persist.
With top-level meetings underway, stakeholders on both sides remain hopeful that this visit will create momentum for sustained cooperation, ultimately benefiting the people of both nations and contributing to broader peace in the region.
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