ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has offered the Afghan interim government to launch joint efforts against terrorist groups responsible for instability in the region. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made the proposal during his daylong visit to Kabul on Sunday, where he held crucial talks with the Taliban authorities.
Naqvi is the latest senior Pakistani official to visit Afghanistan in an attempt to reset bilateral ties and address the persisting issue of cross-border militancy. His visit followed closely after Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s trip to Kabul earlier this month.
Accompanied by Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq Khan and Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, Naqvi met with Afghan Interim Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. Official sources said discussions centred on counterterrorism, border security, and the repatriation of Afghan refugees, with Pakistan raising serious concerns over the presence of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants and other anti-Pakistan elements operating from Afghan soil.
“Pakistan considers Afghanistan a brotherly neighbouring country, but the activities of these terrorist groups are a major hurdle in our relations,” Naqvi conveyed to his Afghan counterpart, according to a statement released by the interior ministry. He stressed the urgent need for joint action, saying, “Terrorist organisations are causing unrest and instability; we must jointly stop them.”
The two sides reviewed the overall bilateral relationship, agreeing on the need to curb cross-border infiltration, enhance border management, prevent drug trafficking, and ensure a regulated movement of people across their frontier. The repatriation process of undocumented Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan also featured in the discussions.
Both ministers underlined the importance of peaceful coexistence, stability, and strengthened cooperation to eliminate terrorism and promote regional peace. “Pakistan desires fraternal and enduring ties with Afghanistan. For decades, Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees selflessly, and our doors remain open for Afghans to enter legally,” Naqvi said.
Relations between Islamabad and Kabul had remained tense in recent months, but a renewed diplomatic push is underway to resolve differences. Following Dar’s visit in April, Afghan authorities took certain steps to restrict TTP activities, including a clampdown on Afghan nationals attempting to join the banned outfit – a move that helped rebuild some confidence between the two countries.
However, Pakistani officials cautioned that the Afghan government needs to demonstrate stronger commitment to root out militant threats emanating from its territory completely.
High-level contacts are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with Afghan Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi likely to visit Islamabad soon to carry forward the momentum of bilateral engagement.
