In its first official statement following the resumption of diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan last week, Pakistan’s Foreign Office announced plans to further strengthen bilateral relations. The government aims to enhance ties through high-level engagements, as well as increased trade and transit cooperation.
A meeting was held at the Foreign Office, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, to discuss Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. During the meeting, Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, briefed officials on his recent trip to Kabul, where he held discussions with Afghan authorities on deepening cooperation.
The statement, however, did not address Afghanistan’s requests regarding the return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. The Afghan Foreign Ministry had previously raised concerns, urging that refugees be allowed to return gradually and with dignity rather than being forcibly expelled.
Ambassador Sadiq’s visit to Kabul, which took place from March 21-23, included meetings with Afghan Foreign Minister Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi and the acting commerce minister, where they discussed trade and security issues. Ambassador Sadiq tweeted after the meetings that both countries had agreed to elevate high-level dialogues and enhance bilateral relations. Plans for foreign minister-level visits to Kabul and Islamabad are also expected.
Despite these positive developments, both sides have refrained from publicly addressing ongoing tensions over the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), two terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil and continuing to target Pakistan.
In his statement on Pakistan’s Republic Day, Ambassador Sadiq emphasized the importance of economic collaboration between the two countries. He stressed that peace and progress in Afghanistan are vital for regional stability and urged both nations to work together to foster regional economic development. Afghanistan, he noted, remains one of Pakistan’s key regional partners, and both countries must collaborate to enhance trade and regional connectivity.
