Latest news with #MinistryofForeignAffairsofAfghanistan
Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Regional peace and security: Pakistan, Afghanistan recognise terrorism as threat
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan have recognised terrorism as a serious threat to regional peace and security. Islamabad has also emphasised the need for concrete actions against terrorist groups operating on Afghan soil, noting that such groups undermine Pakistan's security and hinder regional development. The inaugural round of the Additional Secretary-Level Mechanism between the Foreign Ministries of Pakistan and Afghanistan was held Monday in Islamabad pursuant to decisions reached during the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan to Kabul, Afghanistan, on 19 April 2025. Pakistan side was led by Additional Secretary (Afghanistan & West Asia), Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani, while the Afghan side was led by Director General, First Political Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor. Discussions covered key areas of bilateral interest, including trade and transit cooperation, security, and connectivity. The two sides exchanged views on deepening trade and transit cooperation. They reviewed the implementation status of measures announced during the visit of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan to Kabul for facilitating Afghan transit trade, including the removal of a 10% processing fee, provision of an insurance guarantee, reduction in scanning and examination, and operationalisation of the track and trace system. They underlined the importance of enhanced regional connectivity as a catalyst for sustainable growth and shared prosperity. Noting the strategic significance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway in that regard, they agreed to make concerted efforts towards the early finalisation of the Framework Agreement. The two sides also discussed matters related to the repatriation of Afghan nationals. Pakistan side shared an overview of its efforts to facilitate documented travel from Afghanistan, notably through the issuance of over 500,000 visas since January 2024 to date across a range of categories such as medical, tourist, business, and study. Both sides agreed to work together to further strengthen the legal movement of individuals across borders. Both sides reaffirmed their support for sustained engagement to address mutual challenges. They recognised lasting security as a cornerstone, for both the region's optimal development as well as for further advancement of bilateral relations. They decided to convene the next round of the Additional-Secretary talks at mutually convenient dates. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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Business Standard
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Pahalgam terror attack: Bangladesh condemns 'mindless act of violence'
Bangladesh joins its neighbours Nepal, Bhutan, China, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Pakistan in condemning the Pahalgam terror attacks New Delhi Bangladesh on Wednesday strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, joining the list of India's neighbours to denounce the incident in which 26 people were killed. In a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka said, 'Bangladesh strongly condemns the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in India resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives. Bangladesh extends deepest condolences to the families of the victims and expresses heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by this mindless act of violence.' Bangladesh further expressed its 'unwavering commitment to the global fight against terrorism". Earlier, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Pakistan condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan also condemned the attack on tourists. In a statement the ministry said, "Such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability." Palagam terror attack The attack took place around 3 pm on Tuesday when terrorists opened fire at tourists gathered at Baisaran, a scenic meadow known as 'mini Switzerland' for its lush landscape and panoramic views. The site, located six kilometres from Pahalgam, is a major draw during spring and summer. Among those killed were an Indian Navy lieutenant and an Intelligence Bureau officer. Survivors recounted harrowing scenes, with some stating that the attackers asked for names before shooting. A survivor told news agency PTI that her husband was shot in the head, with at least seven others injured nearby. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistan's foreign ministry issued a statement sharing its condolences with the tourists who lost their lives. "We extend our condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery," it stated. Jammu and Kashmir on high alert Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India, while Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman rushed back from the United States in light of the incident. Political parties and civil society groups in Kashmir have called for a complete shutdown, with peaceful protests and mass closures of shops, schools, and businesses reported in several areas.
