ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in a meeting with Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, the Taliban’s chargé d’affaires in Islamabad, to discussed strengthening “mutually beneficial” relations between the two neighbors, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.
In a statement on X, the ministry said the meeting, which included Mohammad Sadiq Khan, Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, focused on the “deep and historic ties” between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
“They agreed to enhance mutually beneficial bilateral relations,” the ministry said.
The meeting comes amid a period of unprecedented tension between Pakistan and the Taliban-led rule in Afghanistan.
Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban of harboring the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that has carried out numerous attacks within Pakistan.
Pakistani officials have called on the Taliban to act against TTP leaders operating in Afghanistan, allegations the Taliban have consistently denied.
The Taliban, in turn, have dismissed Pakistan’s accusations, framing the country’s security issues as an internal matter.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have historically been complex, shaped by deep economic ties and shared security challenges. However, the resurgence of militancy in Pakistan and its claims of TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan have further strained the relationship.
