ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has raised the issue of cross-border terrorism with the Afghan authorities, urging Kabul to take concrete actions against terrorist groups operating from its soil.
Islamabad stressed that the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan not only threatens Pakistan’s security but also hampers prospects for regional peace and development.
Inaugural bilateral talks
This was discussed during the inaugural round of the Additional Secretary-Level Mechanism between the Foreign Ministries of Pakistan and Afghanistan held here on Monday.
The talks were held pursuant to decisions reached during the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister — who also holds the portfolio of Foreign Minister of Pakistan — to Kabul, Afghanistan, on 19 April 2025.
The Pakistan side was led by Additional Secretary (Afghanistan & West Asia), Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani, while the Afghan side was led by Director General, First Political Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor.
The discussions covered key areas of bilateral interests, including trade and transit cooperation, security, and connectivity.
Trade and transit cooperation
The two sides exchanged views on deepening trade and transit cooperation.
They reviewed the implementation status of measures announced during the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan to Kabul for facilitating Afghan transit trade, including the removal of a 10 per cent processing fee, provision of an insurance guarantee, reduction in scanning and examination, and operationalisation of the track and trace system.
They underlined the importance of enhanced regional connectivity as a catalyst for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Noting the strategic significance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway, they agreed to make concerted efforts towards the early finalisation of the Framework Agreement.
Repatriation of Afghan nationals
The two sides also discussed matters related to the repatriation of Afghan nationals. The Pakistan side shared an overview of its efforts to facilitate documented travel from Afghanistan, notably through the issuance of over 500,000 visas since January 2024, across a range of categories such as medical, tourist, business, and study.
Both sides agreed to work together to further strengthen the legal movement of individuals across borders.
They reaffirmed their support for sustained engagement to address mutual challenges. They also recognised lasting security as a cornerstone for both the region’s optimal development as well as for further advancement of bilateral relations.
They decided to convene the next round of the Additional Secretary-level talks at mutually convenient dates.
