Naqvi, Haqqani vow to bolster counter-terrorism cooperation

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Kabul on a one-day official visit on Sunday, where he held high-level talks with his Afghan counterpart Sirajuddin Haqqani on counter-terrorism, border management, and the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals.

Upon arrival at Kabul International Airport, Naqvi was received by Afghanistan’s Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Nabi Omari. Senior Afghan interior ministry officials were also present at the welcome ceremony. Naqvi was accompanied by Pakistan’s Federal Secretary for Interior Khurram Agha and other senior officials.

During his visit, Naqvi met with Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani at the Afghan Ministry of Interior. The two sides held detailed discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in countering terrorism, managing cross-border infiltration, and addressing the issue of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The talks also focused on strengthening mechanisms for the effective management of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, curbing narcotics smuggling, and streamlining cross-border movement.

Discussions included the ongoing process of repatriating Afghan nationals who are residing illegally in Pakistan.

Both interior ministers emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence, stability, and mutual cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

“Terrorist organisations are spreading chaos and instability. We must act jointly to stop them,” Naqvi said during the meeting. “Pakistan desires brotherly and long-term relations with Afghanistan,” he added.

Naqvi noted that Pakistan had hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades and reiterated that legal pathways for Afghan citizens to enter Pakistan remain open.

Also present at the meeting were Afghanistan’s Senior Deputy Interior Minister Ibrahim Sardar, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq, Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, senior diplomatic officials, and representatives from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior.