Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Alhaj Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, on Friday received Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, in Kabul, where both sides discussed bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and the issue of Afghan refugees currently residing in Pakistan.
The meeting took place at the Gulkhana Palace and was attended by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi, Director General of the Office of the Prime Minister Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi, and Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Maulvi Sardar Ahmad Shakib. The Afghan Prime Minister welcomed the Pakistani delegation and expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s longstanding support and hospitality toward Afghan refugees.
During the discussions, the Afghan Prime Minister emphasized the need for a dignified and coordinated process for the return of Afghan nationals, underscoring the importance of addressing humanitarian concerns in accordance with Islamic values and international principles. He expressed hope that high-level engagement would help strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
Highlighting the shared religious, cultural, and economic ties, Mullah Hassan Akhund called for continued dialogue to find constructive solutions to mutual challenges, including facilitating trade and avoiding disruptions such as the temporary closure of key border crossings. He reaffirmed that the territory of Afghanistan will not be used against any other country and reiterated the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to regional peace and mutual respect.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar thanked the Afghan leadership for the warm welcome and said the purpose of his visit was to deepen political and economic cooperation. He announced that Pakistan would abolish a 10 percent tax on most goods exported to Afghanistan and outlined additional measures aimed at enhancing bilateral trade.
He emphasized the importance of building trust and understanding between the two sides and assured that Pakistan is committed to working jointly on the voluntary and honorable repatriation of Afghan nationals. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s intention to resolve outstanding matters through dialogue and mutual cooperation.
