Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, has successfully concluded his three-day visit to Kabul, where both sides finalized a schedule for institutional relations and agreed to hold a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting before April 15.

In Kabul, Sadiq engaged in high-level discussions to strengthen bilateral ties, trade, and regional connectivity. 

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, during his visit, Sadiq met Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi where both sides exchanged views on mutual interests, peace and security, trade, and economic cooperation. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continuous engagement with Afghanistan and emphasized the importance of resolving outstanding issues to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Both parties agreed to increase high-level interactions and discussions to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

For the first time, Afghan authorities showed flexibility regarding the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) after Sadiq raised the issue of terrorist sanctuaries operating from Afghan soil. 

Also Read: Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to continue bilateral ties, contacts

A plan of action was drawn up to boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation, with both sides reaching a consensus on a preferential trade agreement. Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Pak-Afghan trade ministers will hold consultations, and Afghan Trade Minister Nooruddin Azizi is set to visit Pakistan after Eid to finalize trade-related matters.

High-level Joint Coordination Committee meeting before April 15

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to convene a high-level Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting in Kabul before April 15. Mohammad Sadiq, along with civil and military officials, will participate in the JCC meeting.

Trade and connectivity

Mohammad Sadiq also held a meeting with Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, where they discussed bilateral trade, economic relations, and collaboration in regional trade corridors and connectivity. The Pakistani representative stressed the need to utilize the full potential of regional trade and transit routes to benefit both nations.

Upon returning to Pakistan, Mohammad Sadiq briefed Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar about his meetings with Afghan officials, highlighting the outcomes and areas of progress in bilateral engagement and regional cooperation.