- DPM visits Kabul for improving Pakistan Afghanistan bilateral ties.
- Dar highlights terrorism, security as reasons behind diplomatic coldness.
- FM emphasises economic, regional cooperation through rail links.
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed for a one-day official visit to Kabul on Saturday, accompanied by a high-level delegation, amid strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan over security concerns and deportation issues.
“The DPM/FM is leading a high-level delegation, comprising of Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Sadiq Khan, Special Assistant of Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, federal secretaries for commerce, railways and interior, as well as other senior officials”, Foreign Office spokesperson said in a press release.
The deputy prime minister addressed the media at Noor Khan Airbase before his departure, where he spoke about the significance of Pakistan’s relationship with its western neighbour.
“Afghanistan is a neighbouring Muslim country and Pakistan has longstanding and historic ties with it,” he said. “Our [Pakistan and Afghanistan’s] relationship has been like that of two brothers, as they are joined together — and it should remain like this.”
Dar acknowledged that ties between the two countries had been frosty during the past few years due to a number of reasons, particularly concerns over national security.
“There has been some coldness in the ties recently, primarily due to the security of Pakistan, the safety of our people’s lives and property and the most important concern for Pakistan — terrorism,” he added.
Despite the challenges, the deputy prime minister expressed optimism about the economic and trade potential between the two nations.
“There are countless trade and economic opportunities between the two countries. We can connect to the Central Asian countries via railway from Afghanistan,” Dar noted. “However, this idea cannot be realised unless there is a proper department of railways in Afghanistan.”
He lamented that the current economic potential of the Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship was not being fully utilised, and stressed the need for greater cooperation.
“I’m going with goodwill, and I will try to bring these two Muslim countries closer together. We must do whatever is possible for the economic progress and betterment of our people through mutual cooperation.”
During his visit, Dar is scheduled to hold meetings with Afghanistan’s top leadership to discuss bilateral relations, trade, and regional stability.
