Ishaq Dar Attends Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue in Kabul, Presses Afghanistan on Terrorism Concerns
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar undertook a one-day visit to Kabul on Wednesday to participate in the sixth trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan, where political, economic, and security cooperation dominated discussions.
Dar was welcomed at Kabul airport by Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Naeem, senior Afghan officials, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Obaidur Rehman Nizamani.
Trilateral Dialogue on Regional Cooperation
The trilateral talks brought together the foreign ministers of Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan to strengthen regional partnerships. The three sides agreed to:
Boost joint efforts against terrorism.
Expand cooperation in trade, transit, and regional development.
Promote collaboration in health, education, and culture.
Step up measures to combat drug trafficking.
Hold consultations on extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.
Officials emphasized that collective action was essential to counter emerging security challenges while unlocking the region’s economic potential.
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Pakistan Raises Terrorism Concerns
On the sidelines of the dialogue, Dar held bilateral talks with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. He voiced Islamabad’s serious concern over cross-border terrorist attacks originating from Afghan soil and urged Kabul to take “concrete measures” against proscribed outfits, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
Muttaqi assured that Afghanistan would not allow its territory to be used against Pakistan or any other country.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Trade Ties
Both sides welcomed the recent decision to upgrade diplomatic representation from chargé d’affaires to ambassadors, describing it as a positive step toward improved bilateral ties.
They expressed satisfaction over growing engagement in trade and transit, noting steady progress on agreements reached in earlier meetings in April, May, and July this year. Dar stressed the need to further consolidate political, economic, and security cooperation.
Step Toward Regional Stability
According to the Foreign Office, Dar’s visit underscored Pakistan’s commitment to advancing “peace, connectivity, and shared prosperity” in the region. He was accompanied by Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq during the meetings.
After completing his engagements, the Deputy Prime Minister departed for Islamabad.