By Tahir Khan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday pressed the Afghan Taliban to take action against terrorist groups on Afghan soil, according to the Foreign Office.
Pakistan reiterated its long-stand demand in bilateral consultations amid signs of improvement in relations.
The demand was shared during the inaugural round of the additional secretary-level mechanism between the foreign ministries of Pakistan and Afghanistan was held in Islamabad.
“Both sides recognized terrorism as a serious threat to regional peace and security. The Pakistani side emphasized 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 foreign ministry spokesperson said.
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The spokesperson said in a statement that 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.
During the talks, the two sides exchanged views on deepening trade and transit cooperation.
REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY
They reviewed the implementation status of measures announced during the visit of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to Kabul for facilitating Afghan transit trade, including the removal of a 10 per cent processing fee, provision of an insurance guarantee, reduction in scanning and examination, and operationalisation of the track and trace system.
Meanwhile, the statement said discussions covered key areas of bilateral interest, including trade and transit cooperation, security, and connectivity.
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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.
At the same time, the two sides also discussed matters related to the repatriation of Afghan nationals. The 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.
They decided to convene the next round of the Additional-Secretary talks at mutually convenient dates.
AFGHAN VERSION
On its part, the Afghan foreign ministry said both sides held the first round of the “Political Consultative Mechanism” meeting and discussed bilateral political issues, trade, transit cooperation and regional connectivity.
They also exchanged views on regional and international political issues, while promising to address the existing challenges.
The two sides emphasized resolving the problems of Afghan prisoners and refugees, and facilitating visas for Afghan patients and businessmen.
Meanwhile, the head of Afghan delegation emphasised security for regional development and further strengthening bilateral relations.