The foreign ministers of Pakistan and Canada discussed the situation in Afghanistan and regional security during talks in Islamabad, with both countries pledging to strengthen cooperation on counterterrorism and transnational crime.
The commitment was outlined in a joint press conference between Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand, who was on an official visit to Pakistan.
Dar said the two sides exchanged views on developments in Afghanistan and the continuing threat of terrorism. He said they agreed to expand cooperation on security, particularly in counterterrorism efforts and the fight against transnational organized crime.
“We also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situation in Afghanistan and cooperation in counterterrorism,” Dar said following the meeting.
Afghanistan has remained a recurring topic in Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements with foreign officials as Islamabad continues to accuse militant groups of operating from Afghan territory.
Earlier this month, Dar said he had raised Afghanistan during talks with Croatia’s foreign minister, alleging that the Pakistani Taliban, or Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) maintain a presence in Afghanistan and launch attacks against Pakistan from there.
Last week, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said relations with the Taliban had not yet been normalized and that any move toward normalization would depend on written assurances from the Taliban that Afghan territory would not be used to carry out attacks against Pakistan.
“The continued activities of the TTP, and Pakistan’s claim that the group is financed and equipped from Afghanistan, have negatively affected relations between the two sides and continue to fuel regional tensions,” said Najibur Rahman Shamal, a political analyst.
Taliban have repeatedly rejected Pakistan’s remarks, denying that terrorist groups operate from Afghanistan’s territory. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesman, has said the Taliban will not allow Afghanistan to be used to threaten any other country. However, multiple UN reports have said that insurgent groups, including TTP, have presence in Afghanistan.
Despite multiple rounds of talks between Taliban and Pakistani officials on cross-border security, the two sides have yet to reach an agreement on the issue.
