Pakistan in fresh push to resolve differences with Kabul

Sadiq-led team meets Afghan leaders to address security, terrorism, and bilateral relations

ISLAMABAD:

A high-powered delegation led by Pakistan's special envoy on Afghanistan Muhammad Sadiq on Tuesday held crucial talks in Kabul in what is seen as renewed push by both sides to overcome the obstacles in their bilateral relationship.

This was the first high-level visit by the Pakistani side to Kabul in 15 months and came at a time when Pakistan is battling with terrorism particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq soon after landing in Kabul on Monday evening met Afghan Taliban interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. Sources said the two sides held extended discussions over dinner. The agenda includes the security situation, presence of terrorist hideouts and other matters.

The Pakistani delegation on Tuesday also held talks with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. A statement issued by the Afghan side said the delegation led by Muhammad Sadiq discussed bilateral issues and cooperation in various sectors and improving relations between the two countries.

Both sides emphasized the need for "joint efforts" to stabilize peace and security and foster economic growth.

During the meeting between Afghan interior minister and Pakistani special envoy, both sides discussed important issues aimed at further improving relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan and resolving current challenges, according to the statement issued by the Afghan interior ministry.

The Pakistan delegation offered condolences on behalf of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, his assistant, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for the "martyrdom" of Khalilur Rehman Haqqani. They expressed deep sympathy to the martyr's family and the Afghan people and prayed for the martyr's forgiveness.

Pakistan's Special Representative, Sadiq Khan, also expressed deep sorrow over Khalilur Rehman Haqqani's death and said, "We are determined to resolve the existing issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan through joint efforts, so that economic and public ties between the two countries are further strengthened".

As per the Afghan handout, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the interim Minister of the Interior, while welcoming the guests, highlighted the religious, cultural, and historical commonalities between the two neighboring countries.

He emphasized, "The current situation demands that efforts be intensified to resolve security and political issues, to prevent any harm to the relationship between the two nations and ensure the stability and development of the region."

At the end of the meeting, both sides stressed the need for continued cooperation and reconciliation to further enhance relations.

The Pakistani delegation will have more meetings with Afghan authorities on Wednesday before wrapping up the crucial trip.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained for many months. Pakistan has repeatedly blamed the terrorist hideouts across Afghanistan as the main reason behind the surge in terrorist attacks.

The Taliban government have denied the charges and insisted that it does not allow any group to threaten peace and security of the neighbouring country.

It has also stressed that the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was an internal matter of Pakistan.

However, several independent reports endorsed Pakistan's view that the TTP and its leadership have been operating from Afghanistan.

The latest move by Pakistan to dispatch a high-powered delegation was part of an effort to give diplomacy a chance to resolve the issue of terrorism.