KABUL, Afghanistan — Pakistan’s special envoy to Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq Khan, said peace and economic progress in Afghanistan are essential to ensuring long-term regional stability, urging greater cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking at a ceremony at the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul on Sunday, Sadiq said Pakistan and Afghanistan’s economic futures are “intrinsically interlinked,” and called for expanded efforts to deepen regional economic integration.
“Pakistan and Afghanistan must synergize their efforts to foster regional economic development,” he said. “Afghanistan remains one of the most important regional partners of Pakistan. Both countries must work together to enhance bilateral trade and galvanize regional connectivity.”
Sadiq added that Pakistan remains committed to a “strong and mutually beneficial” relationship with Afghanistan.
The envoy arrived in Kabul on Friday and held meetings with senior Taliban officials, including Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi. According to a statement released by the Taliban, the discussions covered trade, bilateral relations, Afghan migrants, transit routes, and broader economic cooperation.
However, regional sources familiar with the visit said the Pakistani delegation also raised concerns about the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group Islamabad accuses of operating from Afghan territory under Taliban protection.
While both countries have maintained formal ties and ongoing trade dialogue, tensions over the TTP’s presence in Afghanistan continue to strain the relationship.
