In a press conference held in Kabul, Ishaq Dar said that discussions were held on enhancing trade with Afghanistan and the transportation of goods. He noted that the movement of goods can be expedited through a track-and-trace system.
He added that two more companies have now been included for the transportation of goods from Afghanistan, and both Pakistan and Afghanistan will benefit from the track-and-trace system. The IT system at the Torkham border will also be activated soon.
He emphasized that now that trade is opening and both governments are working together to provide facilities, it is essential to increase Pak-Afghan trade. For that purpose, delegations from both countries must be exchanged so that both the people and business communities can benefit.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that four key principles were agreed upon regarding Afghan refugees. First, Afghan nationals will be sent back respectfully, a process which is already underway, as it is both a religious and neighborly duty.
He mentioned that the government has issued clear instructions regarding this. If any complaints arise, immediate action will be taken, and the Ministry of Interior will issue instructions. A notification will be released within 48 hours, and the complaint will be addressed.
He also noted that some returning refugees are facing difficulties in selling their properties. There were rumors that people were being told not to purchase their properties, but he clarified that the Government of Pakistan has issued no such instructions. A committee has been formed to resolve all such complaints.
Ishaq Dar stated that refugees can take all their belongings with them, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is available to assist. “We have requested Afghanistan to work with us for the betterment and peace of the region,” he said, adding, “We will not allow anyone to use our territory for terrorist acts inside Afghanistan.”
He further emphasized, “Please, you must stop this too, and together we will deal with it firmly. Our lands must not be used for terrorism against each other. If someone attempts to do so, both of us are responsible for taking strict action against such elements.”
Foreign Minister's Meeting with Afghan Counterpart
Earlier, Ishaq Dar met with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Both sides pledged commitment to mutual peace and development, and agreed to continue talks in a positive environment to resolve bilateral issues.
During the meeting, both sides also discussed strengthening the historic relations between the two nations. Ishaq Dar told his counterpart that Pakistan sincerely desires prosperity in its brotherly neighbor, Afghanistan.
Meeting with Interim Afghan Prime Minister
The Deputy Prime Minister met Afghanistan’s interim Prime Minister, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, where they discussed matters of mutual interest.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, both leaders held detailed discussions on security, trade, transit cooperation, and people-to-people ties.
The spokesperson said that the meeting reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthen the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Meeting with Afghan Deputy Prime Minister
Ishaq Dar also met with Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Salam. The leaders discussed strengthening peace, security, and public-level engagement. They also agreed to enhance bilateral trade, transit, and economic cooperation.
Ishaq Dar Arrives in Kabul
Earlier, speaking to the media at Noor Khan Airbase before departure, Ishaq Dar expressed the hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan will work together.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister arrived in Kabul on a one-day visit, following the latest round of meetings of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Coordination Committee. Pakistan's special envoy for Afghanistan, Ambassador Sadiq Khan, led the delegation.
Pre-Departure Media Briefing
Speaking to the media before departure, Ishaq Dar said there are strong fraternal relations between the two countries that need further strengthening. He expressed Pakistan’s concerns about terrorism and said this would be discussed with the Afghan side.
He said the goal is to promote cooperation that serves the mutual interests of both countries and their peoples.
According to a statement from the Pakistani Embassy, Afghan officials welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister upon his arrival at the airport. Pakistan's Head of Mission to Afghanistan, Ambassador Ubaid ur Rehman Nizamani, and other embassy officials were also present.
According to the Foreign Office, Ishaq Dar will meet Afghanistan’s acting Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, acting Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi, and acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during the visit.
Interview with State Media Before Departure
In an interview with Pakistan Television (PTV) before departure, Ishaq Dar stated that recent years saw a cooling of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan due to several reasons.
He said, “In my opinion, the security of Pakistan, its people, and their property is very important. We have concerns about terrorism which will be addressed.”
He also emphasized the vast potential for trade, economy, and investment between the two countries. He noted that rail connectivity with Central Asia is possible, but only if Afghanistan becomes a willing partner.
He said the potential in trade is not being utilized, and the Prime Minister and stakeholders have decided that Pakistan will work closely with Afghanistan.
Earlier Trade and Investment Talks
Ishaq Dar also highlighted the trade and investment talks that took place earlier in the week between the two countries. A high-level Afghan delegation led by acting Minister for Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi visited Pakistan to explore ways to enhance trade ties.
Dar said he is carrying a message of goodwill, emphasizing that the two Muslim nations should become close partners and make every possible effort for the economic development and welfare of their people.
Foreign Office Statement Before the Visit
One day before the visit, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said Ishaq Dar was visiting Kabul with a high-level delegation on the invitation of the acting Afghan Foreign Minister.
He said the talks will cover the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, with a focus on boosting cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, including security and trade.
This visit comes amid rising tensions between the two countries, including the deportation of Afghan refugees, skirmishes along the border, and increased activities of armed groups within Pakistan since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
Pakistan maintains that these armed groups operate from within Afghan territory. However, Afghan authorities deny the claim, stating that no one is allowed to use Afghan soil against any country.
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