KABUL – Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, led a senior delegation to Kabul on Saturday, April 19, for key talks with the Afghan government, reported by Tolonews. This visit comes at a time of growing tensions between the two neighboring countries, especially over the treatment of Afghan migrants in Pakistan and security concerns along the border.
During the visit, the Pakistani delegation held separate meetings with the Prime Minister and Acting Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The main focus of the talks was to improve cooperation in security, politics, and trade. Both sides agreed to keep communication channels open and continue high-level meetings to strengthen their relationship.
A major issue raised by Afghan officials was the recent treatment of Afghan migrants in Pakistan. Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said the Afghan Prime Minister thanked Pakistan for hosting migrants but strongly condemned the harsh treatment some have faced recently.
Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi also voiced deep concern about reported violations of migrant rights and urged Pakistan to ensure better protection for Afghan nationals, including those returning home.
In response, Ishaq Dar assured the Afghan side that customs duties on many trade goods had been lowered to boost trade. He also promised that Afghan migrants would not face mistreatment and that no one’s property would be unfairly taken.
To continue the dialogue, Ishaq Dar invited Amir Khan Muttaqi to visit Pakistan in the near future. Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at the Afghan Foreign Ministry, said Mr. Muttaqi emphasized that real actions must follow the talks to fix these issues.
This was the first high-level Pakistani visit to Kabul since recent diplomatic tensions began. Both countries now wait to see if this meeting will lead to real improvements.
