ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to intensify efforts to facilitate and regulate the legal movement of individuals across their shared border, as part of a broader push to deepen bilateral cooperation. The agreement was reached during the inaugural round of additional secretary-level talks held in Islamabad on Monday, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The high-level talks stem from agreements reached during the visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, to Kabul on April 19. This newly established dialogue mechanism aims to strengthen coordination between the two countries on key bilateral matters.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani, Additional Secretary for Afghanistan and West Asia, while the Afghan side was represented by Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, Director General of the First Political Division at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Key discussion points included:
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Enhancing trade and transit cooperation, including reviewing and accelerating measures agreed upon during DPM Dar’s Kabul visit—such as removing the 10% processing fee, simplifying customs procedures, and activating a track-and-trace system.
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Addressing cross-border security, with both sides acknowledging terrorism as a grave threat to regional peace. The Pakistani delegation underscored the urgency of taking concrete action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory, citing their role in destabilising Pakistan and obstructing regional progress.
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Promoting regional connectivity, particularly through the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) railway project, which both sides agreed to advance by expediting the finalisation of a framework agreement.
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Discussing the repatriation of Afghan nationals and facilitating documented movement, with Pakistan noting it has issued over 500,000 visas in categories including medical, tourism, business, and education since January 2024.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue and collaboration, identifying lasting regional security and economic integration as mutual priorities. They agreed to hold the next round of talks on mutually convenient dates.
The talks reflect Islamabad and Kabul’s shared desire to resolve long-standing challenges and explore new opportunities for peace, trade, and people-to-people engagement in the region
