ISI chief to meet Taliban leadership during Kabul visit

Director-General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt General Faiz Hameed reached Kabul on Saturday for a one-day visit to, according to sources, meet with the Taliban leadership and discuss the overall security situation in Afghanistan.

The country's top spy will discuss ways to ensure that spoilers and terrorist organisations do not take advantage of the volatile circumstances, the sources added.

A day earlier, the Taliban heaped praise on Pakistan for its longstanding contributions towards the people of Afghanistan. The group's spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, hoped that Pakistan would continue its assistance.

The ISI DG will also meet Pakistan's envoy in Kabul to discuss the matter of repatriation and transit through Pakistan of foreign nationals and Afghans fleeing Taliban rule.

Sources further said that Gen Hameed will meet the Taliban leadership to review multiple issues that concern both countries and will discuss the situation along the Pak-Afghan border among other issues.

The matter of border management will also be discussed, especially of Afghans who cross over on a daily basis as routine and then return. 

“The issue of pending requests from countries and international organisations for the repatriation/transit through Pakistan and the need to determine the mechanism through which Pakistan could allow these, in coordination with the ground authorities in Afghanistan will be discussed during the meeting with the Taliban officials,” sources told The Express Tribune.

Read ‘Inclusive’ set-up must for world recognition, Pak tells Taliban

It may be noted that several countries have requested Pakistan to provide transit facilities for the safe evacuation of their nationals and Afghans who have worked for the allies.

The two sides will also discuss border management, especially for Afghans who cross over on a daily basis as routine and then return to their country, for the smooth operation of this facility, added the sources.

Reports in Western media outlets suggesting huge inflows of refugees into Pakistan were also termed incorrect.

Pakistan is keen to see the international community remains engaged with the new set-up in Afghanistan and help rebuild the country destroyed by wars that had been lingering for over four decades; however, the Western countries, including the UK, are reluctant to do that.