Despite Tense Relations, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar Visits Afghanistan for Talks on Border Security
kabul, April 19, 2025
According to a report by Arab News, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Kabul on Saturday for a one-day visit to discuss security, trade, and investment opportunities, amid strained relations with neighboring Afghanistan.
The visit comes at a time when militant attacks in Pakistan have surged, with Islamabad blaming the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for the violence. Pakistan alleges that the Afghan Taliban is providing shelter and support to TTP militants—an accusation that Kabul has repeatedly denied.
Additionally, Pakistan has recently intensified the deportation of “illegal immigrants,” the majority of whom are Afghan nationals. Islamabad claims these individuals are involved in suicide attacks and militant activities, although it has yet to present direct evidence to support the claim. This move has further strained bilateral relations.
In a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry:
“At the invitation of Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has arrived in Kabul for a one-day visit.”
Dar was received by Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Mohammad Naeem, Director General of the Foreign Ministry Mufti Noor Ahmad, Chief Protocol Officer Faisal Jalali, and officials from the Pakistani mission in Kabul.
During his visit, Ishaq Dar is scheduled to meet with Afghanistan’s Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi, and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, according to Pakistani authorities.
Before his Kabul trip, Dar gave an interview to state-run Pakistan Television, in which he said:
“In recent years, relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have cooled somewhat.”
He emphasized:
“Pakistan’s security, and the safety of our people and property, are of utmost importance. One of our main concerns is terrorism, which we will raise during discussions.”
Dar also pointed out that there is significant potential for trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries:
“We can establish railway connectivity with Central Asian nations, but that is not possible without Afghanistan’s participation.”
According to analysts, this visit is part of Pakistan’s efforts to revitalize its relationship with Afghanistan, with hopes of addressing mutual concerns and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
