ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that security concerns were at the forefront of recent discussions between its special envoy to Afghanistan and senior Taliban officials in Kabul.
In a statement, the ministry said the visit by Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq Khan, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, was undertaken at the direction of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The meetings, it noted, were part of Islamabad’s effort to maintain “constructive and mutually beneficial” relations with the Taliban-led government.
“The special representative emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to sustained engagement and the importance of addressing all issues of concern — especially security — to further strengthen bilateral ties,” the statement said.
According to the ministry, Taliban officials agreed to intensify high-level engagement and cooperation. Discussions reportedly covered a range of topics, including peace and security, trade and economic relations, and people-to-people exchanges.
Upon his return to Islamabad, Sadiq briefed Foreign Minister Dar on the outcome of the visit. Dar expressed satisfaction with the discussions and issued directives to advance bilateral ties through expanded trade, transit cooperation, and continued diplomatic engagement.
The three-day visit, which began March 20, included meetings with Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and commerce minister Nooruddin Azizi.
While the ministry did not elaborate on specific concerns, sources familiar with the talks told Amu that Pakistan’s primary objective was to raise the issue of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants allegedly operating from Afghan territory — a growing point of tension between the two neighbors.
Islamabad has accused the Taliban of offering safe haven to TTP elements involved in cross-border attacks targeting Pakistani security forces. The Taliban have repeatedly denied these claims.
