Latest news with #Pak-Afghan
Asia News Network
2 days ago
- Politics
- Asia News Network
Pakistan Interior Minister discusses counterterrorism in Kabul meeting with Afghan counterpart
July 21, 2025 ISLAMABAD – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday discussed counterterrorism efforts in a meeting with his Afghan counterpart Sirajuddin Haqqani in Kabul. The visit comes after a series of steps between both nations to improve ties, such as the revival of the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) and the upgrading of each country's diplomats from the rank of chargé d'affaires to ambassador. Both countries also held the inaugural round of the Additional Secretary-Level Mechanism talks earlier in the month. 'Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi holds an important meeting with his Afghan counterpart Sirajuddin Haqqani,' the Interior Ministry said in a post on X. Naqvi was warmly welcomed by interim Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani upon arrival at the Afghan Ministry of Interior, the post said. 'Discussion on bilateral relations, particularly counter-terrorism, infiltration, and the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban [Pakistan],' took place, according to the interior ministry. Effective management of the Pak-Afghan border, prevention of narcotics, and mechanisms for regulating cross-border movement were also discussed, the post said. 'Terrorist organisations are causing chaos and instability; We must stop them together,' Naqvi was quoted as having said to his counterpart. 'Pakistan has selflessly hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades; the doors are open for the legal entry of Afghan citizens,' the interior minister said. The process of repatriation of Afghan citizens illegally residing in Pakistan was also a subject of the conversation between Naqvi and Haqqani. Afghanistan's Senior Deputy Interior Minister Ibrahim Sardar, Pakistan's Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq, Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha and other senior diplomatic officials were there as part of the country's delegation. Officials from the Afghan Ministry of Interior were also present on the occasion. Earlier in the day, Naqvi arrived in Kabul on a day-long visit to Afghanistan, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. On his arrival at the Kabul airport, Naqvi was received by Afghan Interim Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Nabi Omari. Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities over the past year, especially in KP and Balochistan, after the proscribed TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. Earlier in the week, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan signed the Framework Agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project in Kabul. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had made the announcement in a post on X from Kabul, where he had arrived on a day-long visit for the signing. On Wednesday, the UN special representative for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, proposed a 'prioritised' regional dialogue with Pakistan, Iran and Central Asian states to halt the disorderly return of Afghans and uphold the principle of voluntary, dignified and safe repatriation. On Friday, security forces foiled PTV News reported.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Thousands rally in Dir Lower for peace
Thousands of local residents participated in Aman Pasawon in Dir Lower district on Sunday and protested against the deteriorating law and order situation in the region. They demanded decisive action against terrorists in the region to ensure lasting peace. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Population Welfare, Malik Liaqat Ali Khan, addressed the gathering in Maidan, stressing that peace is the fundamental need of society and that all citizens must play an active role in maintaining it. Expressing gratitude to the people of Maidan, local elders, youth, and the Maidan Action Committee, he said, "Today's gathering is living proof that the people of Maidan categorically reject unrest, extremism, and chaos. We want peace for the bright future of our children, the comfort of our homes, and the development of our region and we are united in this goal." Applauding the spirit of the local population, Malik Liaqat Ali Khan highlighted their patience, resilience, and awareness during challenging times. "This unity, this awareness, and this collective voice bind us together today with renewed resolve," he added. He also acknowledged the participation and solidarity shown by tribal elders, youth, civil society, and leaders of the Maidan Action Committee at the peace gathering. Reaffirming the government's commitment, the Special Assistant assured the public of full support from the provincial government at every level for the promotion of peace, development, and public welfare. It may be recalled that on Friday, thousands of people, including tribal elders from across North Waziristan, political alliances, and representatives of the business community participated in the grand Jirga. Speaking to the media, Utmanzai Jirga spokesperson Mufti Baitullah said the Jirga, in consultation with political and business leaders, unanimously decided that no further displacement or military operations will be allowed in the region. "Military operations are not a solution," he stated, adding that previous offensives including Zarb-e-Azb failed to deliver lasting peace. He said progress has been made on several fronts in discussions with the government, including agreements on reopening the Pak-Afghan Ghulam Khan border for trade, relaxation of the curfew, and permission for non-custom paid (NCP) vehicles in the area. Mufti Baitullah expressed hope for continued positive developments in the talks with the government and reassured residents that efforts for peace and stability are ongoing. Dr Gul Alam, another participant, told the media that ensuring security and peace is the primary duty of the state. "Around the world, the foremost obligation of any government is to provide protection and peace to its citizens," he said. The Jirga also demanded the immediate release of Malik Akbar Khan, who has been in custody for the past eight months. The elders believe his release is crucial for restoring trust between the government and the local community. The Utmanzai Jirga announced that the next Aman Pasoon will be held in the Datta Khel tehsil of North Waziristan, where residents have been under curfew for the past eleven days. The Jirga urged the government to ease the restrictions and resolve all issues through dialogue and mutual consultation.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Two cops martyred in Mastung gun attack
Listen to article Two policemen were martyred and two others sustained injuries after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle along the National Highway near Choto in the Mastung district of Balochistan on Friday, officials said. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said it was a targeted attack on the vehicle of acting Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abdul Razaq. DSP Abdul Razzaq and Constable Raza Muhammad embraced martyrdom while two others were injured, he added. He confirmed that it appeared to be a targeted assault on DSP Abdul Razaq. The injured – constables Taj Muhammad and Khurshid Ahmed – were taken to a nearby hospital. "Security forces have been dispatched to the site and a search operation is under way to trace the attackers," he said. Infiltration bid foiled Meanwhile, security forces foiled an infiltration attempt by suspected terrorists through the Pak-Afghan border and arrested five would-be suicide bombers in K-P. Sources said that the forces started tracking the suspected teenaged boys as soon as they entered Pakistan via a river. Security teams quickly blocked all their escape routes, as they started moving towards Azizkhel and Mandikhel. The suspects tried to hide in a mosque in village Bassikhel but surrendered after the security forces surrounded them. According to initial investigation, the sources said, all the five boys were Afghan citizens and aged between 15 and 18 years. Three of them carried Afghan identity cards, they said, adding that their movement, timing and route suggested that they were potential suicide bombers. "All suspects have been detained and shifted to a secure location for further interrogation. The timely and professional action of the security forces not only thwarted a potential terrorist attack, but also highlighted Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the security of its borders and citizens," a source said. (WITH INPUT FROM OUR DI KHAN CORRESPONDENT)
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Utmanzai Jirga rejects more military Ops
Restoring peace and ensuring law and order in North Waziristan is the state's responsibility, and like citizens of other regions, the people of Utmanzai tribe deserve a peaceful life. These views were expressed during the "Aman Pasoon" (Peace Gathering) organized by the Utmanzai Jirga in Miranshah, the district headquarters of North Waziristan. Thousands of people, including tribal elders from across North Waziristan, political alliances, and representatives of the business community participated in the grand Jirga. Speaking to the media, Utmanzai Jirga spokesperson Mufti Baitullah said the Jirga, in consultation with political and business leaders, unanimously decided that no further displacement or military operations will be allowed in the region. "Military operations are not a solution," he stated, adding that previous offensives including Zarb-e-Azb failed to deliver lasting peace. He said progress has been made on several fronts in discussions with the government, including agreements on reopening the Pak-Afghan Ghulam Khan border for trade, relaxation of the curfew, and permission for non-custom paid (NCP) vehicles in the area. Mufti Baitullah expressed hope for continued positive developments in the talks with the government and reassured residents that efforts for peace and stability are ongoing. Dr Gul Alam, another participant, told the media that ensuring security and peace is the primary duty of the state. "Around the world, the foremost obligation of any government is to provide protection and peace to its citizens," he said. The Jirga also demanded the immediate release of Malik Akbar Khan, who has been in custody for the past eight months. The elders believe his release is crucial for restoring trust between the government and the local community.
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
ICC issues arrest warrants for Taliban leaders over rights abuses
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for two senior Taliban leaders in Afghanistan, including the group's supreme spiritual leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada. The court announced on Tuesday that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, the Taliban's Chief Justice, have committed crimes against humanity. Specifically, they are accused of persecution on gender grounds, targeting women, girls, and individuals who do not conform to the Taliban's policies on gender, gender identity, or expression. According to the ICC, the alleged crimes involve a systematic campaign of repression and discrimination since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Read More: First round of Pak-Afghan talks concludes, focusing on trade, security Since taking power in 2021, the Taliban government has imposed severe restrictions on women, which the United Nations has described as a form of "gender apartheid." The Taliban has also permitted the public flogging of women for alleged offences. In December 2024, the Taliban announced the closure of all national and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in Afghanistan that employ Afghan women. Also Read: Pakistan urges decisive Afghan action on terror This decision, which further tightens the group's restrictions on women, comes just over two years after the Taliban initially ordered NGOs to suspend employing Afghan women, citing alleged violations of dress codes.
