Islamabad, 4 January 2024(TDI): In a significant diplomatic development, a high-ranking aide to the supreme leader of the Afghan Taliban engaged in discussions with Pakistani authorities, including the caretaker foreign minister, on Wednesday.
The talks took place against the backdrop of escalating tensions between the two nations concerning cross-border terrorism.
Meanwhile, Haji Mullah Shirin, the Governor of Kandahar and Deputy Head of Military Intelligence and Strategy in Afghanistan, emerged as the first senior Taliban figure to visit Islamabad in recent months, leading the Afghan delegation at the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Coordination Committee (JCC).
Special Envoy on Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Durrani, headed the Pakistani delegation, with talks extending over three hours. The discussions covered various critical issues, ranging from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to border security, the deportation of undocumented Afghans, and other pertinent matters.
During a separate meeting, Mullah Shirin conferred with Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani. Official statements from both countries avoided explicit mentions of contentious issues, suggesting a deliberate effort to prevent further escalation of tensions.
However, the Pakistani foreign minister did acknowledge mutual concerns. According to the statement issued by the Foreign Office, Jilani and Shirin exchanged views on key issues such as peace, security, and people-to-people contacts.
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The foreign minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to sustained engagement and mutually beneficial ties with Afghanistan, emphasizing the need to address all concerns to maximize the potential for regional trade and connectivity.
The visiting Taliban leader expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s extensive support to millions of Afghans over four decades. Both sides agreed to continue high-level engagement and dialogue to strengthen bilateral relations further.
Additionally, Haji Mullah Shirin led the Afghan delegation in the 6th session of the Pakistan-Afghanistan JCC. The meeting focused on coordination mechanisms to facilitate cross-border movement, aiming to enhance people-to-people contacts.
In a separate statement, the Afghan Taliban spokesperson highlighted that the JCC meeting, alternating between Kabul and Islamabad, aimed to discuss and make decisions on potential conflict resolutions.
“During this meeting, as a follow-up to previous sessions, participants will engage in discussions and make essential decisions concerning the resolution of potential conflicts along the Durand Line and the establishment of essential facilities for people on both sides,” the statement noted.
As the visit of Mullah Shirin unfolds, the outcome and its impact on bilateral ties remain uncertain. The diplomatic community awaits further developments in the evolving relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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