The upcoming two-day visit of Commerce Secretary Khurrum Agha to Afghanistan, which starts on Monday, highlights Pakistan’s unwavering determination to strengthen trade ties and promote interpersonal connections with its neighboring country. This was emphasized by the Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, in a statement released on Sunday.
Amidst evolving dynamics, the interim Afghan government reported a significant diplomatic exchange where Mawlawi Sardar Ahmed Shakib, the acting head of the Afghan embassy in Pakistan, met with Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Their discussions centered on recent developments in bilateral relations, with Shakib providing a detailed account of his engagements with Pakistani officials. In response, FM Muttaqi issued directives to Shakib, aimed at navigating the evolving situation and strengthening ties between the two nations.
The recent strain in relations stemmed from terrorist incidents in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a security forces’ post fell victim to a heinous attack, resulting in the loss of seven soldiers, including high-ranking officers.
In response, Pakistan initiated intelligence-based anti-terror operations within Afghan border regions, primarily targeting elements affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These groups have been implicated in numerous terrorist assaults in Pakistan, leading to the tragic loss of civilian and law enforcement lives.
Pakistan’s proactive stance in combating terrorism is reinforced by its consistent calls on the interim Afghan Taliban government to prevent its territory from being exploited as a sanctuary for terrorist activities. Pakistan has also urged decisive action against the TTP, emphasizing the imperative of upholding regional peace and stability.
Despite recent challenges, diplomatic engagements remain pivotal, with both nations striving to navigate complex security landscapes and foster constructive relations for the collective well-being of their peoples and the broader region.
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