His Excellency Al-Hajj Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund, The Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, met today with the delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who is on an official visit to Kabul.
The meeting took place at the Office of the Prime Minister and was attended by senior Afghan officials, including Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, Chief of Staff Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi, and Ambassador to Pakistan Mawlawi Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb.
H.E. Al-Hajj Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund, Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, welcomed the Pakistani delegation and engaged in discussions on various political and economic issues, while also expressing concern over the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees.
The Prime Minister of Afghanistan expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees and hoped that the visit would further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two nations.
He noted the shared political, economic, religious, and cultural ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan as neighboring Muslim countries.
He stressed the importance of resolving challenges through dialogue, with a focus on the need for action alongside discussion.
In reference to the closure of the Torkham gate along the disputed Durand Line, the Prime Minister emphasized the critical importance of strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
He emphasized the need to prevent actions that could harm political and economic relations, urging that such disruptions be avoided moving forward.
The Prime Minister addressed the issue of the forced deportation of Afghan refugees, stating that Pakistan, as a neighboring Muslim country, should facilitate the dignified return of Afghan refugees in line with Islamic and international principles.
He further emphasized that rather than collaborating with the Islamic Emirate on the gradual repatriation process, Pakistan’s unilateral measures are intensifying the problem and hindering progress toward a solution. He called on Pakistan to end the mistreatment of Afghan refugees.
The Prime Minister assured the delegation that Afghanistan’s territory will not be used against any nation, including its neighbors. He highlighted the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to mutual respect, stability, and consistency between its statements and actions.
Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, expressed his pleasure during his visit to Kabul, and stated that the purpose of the visit is to strengthen economic and political ties with Afghanistan.
He noted that both countries are focused on resolving existing challenges through dialogue and emphasized Pakistan’s intention to close the gap between them through high-level discussions.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan stated that, to enhance economic relations, Pakistan will remove a 10% tax on a large number of export goods to Afghanistan.
He also highlighted that additional significant measures are being considered to increase trade.
In conclusion, Mr. Ishaq Dar stressed the importance of building trust and noted that Pakistan’s concerns should be addressed.
He assured the Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate that Pakistan is dedicated to the respectful repatriation of Afghan refugees and will take swift actions to support this process.