ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday that Afghanistan has assured Pakistan it would not allow its soil to be used by any elements involved in terrorism, hostile or illicit activities against Pakistan.
Dar, who was on a day-long visit to Kabul, told a press conference that Pakistan and Afghanistan had agreed to not permit the use of their respective territories for acts that undermine each other’s security.
“We both countries will strictly deal with such elements. If someone does [carry out such activities], then we both will be responsible to take action against them,” he said after meeting several senior Afghan officials.
Ishaq Dar said Pakistan’s security concerns had been clearly conveyed to the Afghan side adding that Pakistan’s concerns on security issues were heard by the Afghan side and they assured their full cooperation.
“We have agreed that neither country will permit its land to be used for activities against the other, and any such acts will be dealt with firmly and jointly,” Dar said, terming the agreement an important step towards peace and stability in the region.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a post on X that Foreign Minister Maulawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar led their respective delegations in a meeting today.
د پاکستان د لومړي وزیر مرستیال او بهرنیو چارو وزیر ښاغلي اسحاق ډار په مشري راغلي پلاوي سره په ګډ مطبوعاتي کنفرانس کې د افغانستان اسلامي امارت د بهرنیو چارو وزیر مولوي امیرخان متقي وینا. pic.twitter.com/133WcErgYu
— Hafiz Zia Ahmad (@HafizZiaAhmad) April 19, 2025
Both sides discussed a range of issues including Afghan refugees, political and economic matters, trade, transit, joint projects, and other areas of mutual interest.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, engaged in extensive discussions with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi.
The discussions encompassed a comprehensive range of topics pertaining to bilateral relations,… pic.twitter.com/Q7VgzouVoY
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 19, 2025
Dar’s visit comes at a crucial time as the two neighbours attempt to reset strained ties, which have been marred by border tensions, cross-border attacks, and the issue of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
The talks were held in a cordial and forward-looking environment, signalling a renewed intent to address long-standing issues through dialogue and cooperation, Pakistan’s state media reported.
نن کابل کې، د ا،ا،ا، بهرنیو چارو وزیر مولوي امیرخان متقي او پاکستاني سیال ښاغلي محمد اسحاق ډار او ورسره لوړ پوړو پلاوو ترمنځ ګډه ناسته ترسره شوه.
په ناسته کې د بهرنیو چارو وزیرانو، د دواړو هیوادونو ترمنځ پرمهاجرینو، سیاسي، اقتصادي، تجارتي،ټرانزیټي، سترو پروژو، او یو شمیر نورو… pic.twitter.com/CqmPPDSrxj— Hafiz Zia Ahmad (@HafizZiaAhmad) April 19, 2025
He also appreciated the hospitality extended by the Afghan authorities and said he had invited the Afghan Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan as his second home. “As I consider Afghanistan my second home, Pakistan is also their second home,” Dar said.
He said these regular exchanges are inevitable for keeping up the positive pace of bilateral relations.
The visit marks a renewed effort to address Islamabad’s concerns over cross-border militancy and follows the latest round of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Coordination Committee meeting held in Kabul.
At the Joint Coordination Committee meeting, Pakistan’s delegation was led by Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Sadiq Khan.
Dar said the high-level interactions had paved the way for dialogue in a positive environment to resolve longstanding bilateral issues.
“We have to work together for the progress, betterment and peace and security of the region,” he said, adding that relations must be maintained through continued diplomatic engagements and the regular functioning of bilateral committees.
Pak-Afghan trade
On trade and connectivity, Dar announced that a transit track and trace system would become operational by June 30, which would enhance the flow of Afghan transit goods.
He said an agreement had also been reached on insurance-related matters, and that both countries had agreed to facilitate trade delegations and exhibitions to boost bilateral economic activity.
Ishaq Dar said for smooth Afghan transit trade it was agreed that A plus category insurance guarantees will be accepted by Pakistani authorities for Afghan transit goods.
He said cross stuffing facility will be provided to 500 containers per month initially from June 30th this year as a pilot project to help lower the cost of transit trade for Kabul.
The Foreign Minister also announced that the Integrated Transit Trade Management System (ITTMS) in Torkham will also be operationalized by 30th June this year.
Refugees and property rights
Answering a question about the repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan is ensuring that the process takes place with full dignity and honour without disrespect to any individual.
Dar said four key decisions had been taken: their dignified return; a mechanism to address mistreatment complaints; clarification that no directive has been issued in Pakistan barring Afghans from buying property; and the assurance that Afghan refugees could take their belongings with them.
The Afghan Foreign Ministry said that Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, during his meeting with Ishaq Dar in Kabul, expressed deep concern and regret over the situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and their forced deportation.
According to the statement, the Afghan Foreign Ministry strongly urged the Pakistani authorities to prevent the erosion of the rights of Afghans residing in Pakistan as well as those entering the country.
Muttaqi added that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is keen to expand trade, transit, and joint projects with neighbouring Pakistan. He also reminded the Pakistani delegation that concrete steps must be taken to address outstanding issues and create facilitative mechanisms in these areas.
High-level engagements and joint projects
Dar also met with Acting Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund and Acting Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi. Discussions covered trade, transit cooperation, security, and people-to-people ties.
DPM/FM, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, met with the Acting Afghan DPM, Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi.
The two leaders discussed all issues of mutual interest, including peace and security, and people-to-people contacts. They agreed to enhance bilateral trade, transit and… pic.twitter.com/wTZD6sfSKg
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 19, 2025
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and agreed to work together on major regional projects, including the CASA-1000 electricity project, the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, and the TAP and Afghan Trans rail initiatives.
The meetings concluded with an agreement to establish joint committees to follow up on key issues and develop effective mechanisms to resolve bilateral problems.
Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, called on the acting Afghan Prime Minister, Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund.
Both sides exchanged views on key issues of mutual interest, including security, trade and transit cooperation, and… pic.twitter.com/7ntdUsgjCE
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 19, 2025
Focus on security and regional links
Speaking to state media before departing for Kabul, Dar acknowledged that relations with Afghanistan had grown cold in recent years.
“There are reasons for this. But the security of Pakistan, our people, their lives and properties is very important. We have concerns regarding terrorism, which we will discuss,” he told PTV.
He also stressed the vast potential for trade and connectivity. “Our links with Central Asia cannot be built without Afghanistan’s cooperation, particularly in railway connectivity,” he said.
The visit follows earlier talks in Islamabad with an Afghan trade delegation led by Acting Industry and Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi, which aimed to expand trade and investment ties.
Dar said that both countries, being Muslim neighbours, should work together for the prosperity and economic development of their peoples. “Our aim is to foster collaboration that serves the mutual interests of the peoples of both countries as well as the region,” he said.
