Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Afghan Foreign Minister Hold Dialogue on Border Security, Trade Cooperation, and Regional Politics

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Afghan Foreign Minister Hold Dialogue on Border Security, Trade Cooperation, and Regional Politics
Kabul, April 20, 2025 —

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday to discuss security, border management, and regional trade, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dar arrived in Kabul on a one-day visit Saturday morning to engage in talks concerning Pakistan’s security concerns, trade, and investment opportunities with Afghanistan — at a time when relations between the two countries remain strained.

This visit comes amid a recent surge in militant attacks inside Pakistan, for which Islamabad blames Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The group is believed to be sheltered by the Afghan Taliban, although Kabul has repeatedly denied such allegations.

Key Points:

• Dar’s visit is part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to stay engaged with Afghanistan.

• Pakistan’s decision to repatriate “illegal immigrants,” mainly Afghan nationals, has further strained bilateral ties.

• The Pakistani foreign ministry stated that “the discussions covered a broad range of bilateral issues, including security, trade, transit, connectivity, and the need to enhance people-to-people contacts.”

Dar said, “By resolving issues related to security and border management, we can unlock the full potential of regional trade and connectivity.”

Both sides expressed a commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relations and emphasized the importance of maintaining high-level communication.

Dar also confirmed he would meet with Afghanistan’s Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund.

Prior to the Kabul visit, in an interview with Pakistan Television, Dar acknowledged that relations between the two countries had become “cool” in recent years.

He said, “The security of Pakistan, its people, and their lives and property is of utmost importance. Therefore, the issue of terrorism is one of our biggest concerns, which we will discuss.”

Dar also noted the vast potential for trade and investment between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

“We can establish railway links with Central Asian countries, but that would not be possible unless Afghanistan becomes a partner in the initiative,” he added.

Dar’s visit is being viewed as an effort to ease mutual concerns and open new avenues for cooperation between the two nations.