Pakistan seeks stronger ties with Afghanistan

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Afghanistan’s interim Prime Minister (PM) Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhundza and his Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi amid Pak-Afghan talks in Kabul, during which they discussed in detail bilateral issues, including security.

The Foreign Office spokesperson said that the meeting also discussed in detail issues of mutual interest, including public relations. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to high-level exchanges to further strengthen fraternal relations.

Earlier, a high-level Pakistani delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar participated in talks with Afghan officials.

Before leaving for Kabul, Ishaq Dar said that the issue of terrorism is a cause of concern for Pakistan, there are reservations over security issues with Afghanistan, and the safety of Pakistanis’ lives and property is extremely important to us.

Ishaq Dar said that both countries want the betterment of the people. There are immense opportunities in the economic, financial, and trade sectors between Pakistan and Afghanistan that are not being fully utilized.

He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to accelerate ties with Afghanistan, adding that Afghanistan is important for the railway link between Pakistan and Central Asian countries.