Islamabad banks on diplomacy with Kabul

Pak-Afghan ties have remained strained for months primarily over presence of banned TTP in the neighbouring country.

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ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan has decided to give diplomacy and dialogue one more chance to resolve issues including the presence of terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan with the interim Taliban government. The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday.

"Pakistan's Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, provided a detailed briefing on his recent visit to Kabul, highlighting key engagements with Afghan authorities and discussions on bilateral cooperation," read an official handout issued by the Foreign Office.

Foreign Minister Dar emphasized the importance of "sustained dialogue with the interim Afghan government to address Pakistan's concerns and promote bilateral relations," the statement added.

The move came after Ambassador Sadiq gave his recommendations on how to pursue relationships with Afghanistan. He provided a positive assessment of his trip to Kabul.

Pakistan and Afghanistan relations have remained strained for months primarily over the presence of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the neighbouring country.

Islamabad has linked the spike in terrorist attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces with terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office on Monday issued a detailed statement on Ambassador Sadiq's visit to Kabul. The statement avoided explicitly mentioning the TTP and cross border terrorist attacks. Instead the language was more conciliatory.

"The Special Representative called on the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi, on 22 March. "During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on all issues of mutual concern, including peace and security, trade and economic cooperation, as well as people-to-people contacts."

According to the statement, the special representative reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to continued engagement and mutually beneficial ties with Afghanistan, and underscored the importance of addressing all issues of concern, particularly security, to further consolidate bilateral ties.

Both sides agreed to enhance high-level engagement and dialogue to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The two sides also reinforced the commitment to a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship, with a view to achieving lasting regional peace and stability. The special representative also met with Acting Afghan Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi.

Both sides discussed bilateral trade and economic relations, as well as cooperation in the areas of transit and connectivity. The special representative reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to reinforcing mutually beneficial ties with Afghanistan.

The two sides agreed to harness the full potential of regional trade and connectivity for the mutual benefit of both countries. "Upon his return, the special representative briefed the FM about his meetings with the Afghan leadership.

"The FM expressed satisfaction at the discussions held with the Afghan side and issued directions to further consolidate bilateral ties, including through high-level engagement and enhancement of trade and transit cooperation," it added.