Pakistan's deputy PM to raise security concerns during daylong visit to Afghanistan on Saturday
The visit comes against the backdrop of a surge in militant attacks in Pakistan, which Islamabad attributes to armed groups operating from Afghan territory.
Pakistan has frequently accused the Taliban-led government in Kabul of providing safe havens to these militants and 'facilitating' cross-border attacks, a claim Afghanistan denies.
'At the invitation of interim Afghan Foreign Minister, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, will lead a high-level delegation to Kabul tomorrow,' the foreign office announced in a statement.
'The talks will cover entire gamut of Pak-Afghan relationship, focusing on ways and means to deepen cooperation in all areas of mutual interests, including security, trade, connectivity and people-to-people ties,' it added.
The foreign office said Dar will meet Afghan Acting Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund, Acting Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and hold delegation-level talks with Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan's foreign office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan emphasized the importance of the visit.
'The key concern remains centered on security,' he said during his weekly media briefing. 'The question of sanctuaries and terrorism has been raised multiple times [with Afghanistan], and we will keep raising it.'
'We want to find an amicable solution to this challenge,' he added.
Since late 2023, Pakistan has initiated the deportation of undocumented immigrants, predominantly Afghan nationals, citing security concerns. The move has strained relations further, with Afghan authorities raising concerns over the expulsions.
Despite these tensions, both countries have resumed diplomatic efforts to improve ties. A Pakistani delegation recently visited Kabul for a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting, while an Afghan delegation traveled to Islamabad to discuss trade and connectivity initiatives.
Dar's visit is seen as a continuation of these efforts, aiming to address mutual concerns and explore avenues for cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
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