KABUL, Afghanistan – Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with his Afghan counterpart Sirajuddin Haqqani in Kabul on Sunday to discuss counterterrorism and bilateral relations, signaling a series of recent diplomatic steps to improve ties between the two nations.
Counterterrorism and Border Security Take Center Stage in Kabul Talks
Pakistani and Afghan interior ministers convene to address security concerns and strengthen diplomatic relations.
Key takeaways:
- Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held discussions with Afghan counterpart Sirajuddin Haqqani in Kabul.
- The meeting focused on counterterrorism efforts, border management, and narcotics prevention.
- It follows a series of diplomatic initiatives aimed at improving Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.
- Discussions also covered the repatriation of Afghan citizens residing in Pakistan.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi engaged in a significant meeting with his Afghan counterpart, Sirajuddin Haqqani, in Kabul on Sunday. The discussions zeroed in on critical issues including counterterrorism, infiltration, and the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan. Naqvi was warmly received by Haqqani at the Afghan Ministry of Interior.
What was the main purpose of the meeting between the Pakistani and Afghan interior ministers?
The primary objective of the meeting was to discuss counterterrorism efforts and enhance bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The talks also encompassed effective management of the Pak-Afghan border, the prevention of narcotics trafficking, and mechanisms for regulating cross-border movement. Naqvi emphasized the need for joint action, stating, “Terrorist organisations are causing chaos and instability; We must stop them together.”
This visit occurs amidst a period of renewed diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Recent steps to improve ties include the revival of the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) and the upgrading of diplomatic representatives from chargé d’affaires to ambassadorial rank. Furthermore, the two countries held their inaugural Additional Secretary-Level Mechanism talks earlier in July.
Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing hospitality, noting, “Pakistan has selflessly hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades; the doors are open for the legal entry of Afghan citizens.” The repatriation process for Afghan citizens illegally residing in Pakistan was also a key topic of conversation.
Pakistan’s delegation included Afghanistan’s Senior Deputy Interior Minister Ibrahim Sardar, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq, Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, and other senior officials. Afghan Ministry of Interior officials were also present.
Naqvi’s day-long visit to Afghanistan began with his arrival at Kabul airport, where he was greeted by Afghan Interim Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Nabi Omari.
The discussions come at a time when Pakistan has experienced an increase in terror activities over the past year, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the proscribed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan’s cessation of a ceasefire in November 2022.
Earlier in the week, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan solidified their cooperation by signing a Framework Agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project in Kabul. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the agreement from Kabul.
In related news, on Wednesday, the UN special representative for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, advocated for a focused regional dialogue with Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian states to manage the return of Afghan refugees and ensure voluntary, dignified, and safe repatriation.
The security situation remains a critical concern, with security forces foiling an infiltration attempt by terrorists along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Friday, arresting five individuals described as “alleged suicide bombers.”
