Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan has decided to give diplomacy and negotiations one more chance to resolve issues including the presence of terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan with the interim Taliban government.
The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday.
“Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, gave a detailed briefing on his recent trip to Kabul, underlining important engagements with Afghan authorities and discussions on bilateral collaboration,” according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.
Foreign Minister Dar stressed the significance of “sustained dialogue with the interim Afghan government to address Islamabad’s concerns and promote bilateral ties,” the statement added.
The move came after Ambassador Sadiq gave his recommendations on how to pursue ties with Kabul.
He provided a positive assessment of his visit to Afghanistan.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained for months primarily over the presence of outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the neighbouring country.
Pakistan has linked the spike in terrorist attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan with terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan.
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Meanwhile, the Foreign Office on Monday issued a detailed statement on Ambassador Sadiq’s trip to Afghanistan.
“The Special Representative met with the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi, on 22 March. During the meeting, they exchanged views on all matters of mutual concern, including peace and security, trade and economic collaboration, as well as people-to-people contacts,” the statement said.
It added that the special representative reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continued engagement and mutually beneficial relations with Afghanistan, and highlighted the significance of addressing all matters of concern, especially security, to further consolidate bilateral relations.
Read More: Pakistan Vows Action Against Terrorist Groups Based in Afghanistan
Both sides agreed to enhance high-level engagement and dialogue to boost bilateral collaboration.
They also reinforced the commitment to a mutually beneficial bilateral partnership, with a view to achieving enduring regional peace and stability.
