Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Sadiq Khan, affirmed his country’s commitment to working with the Taliban leadership to bolster security, deepen trade ties, and promote regional connectivity, following high-level meetings in Kabul this week.
During talks with Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s deputy chief minister, Khan emphasized Pakistan’s interest in fostering partnerships aimed at achieving shared goals of peace and stability.
“Happy to hear [the Taliban’s] vision to build partnerships with regional countries, including Pakistan, to achieve common objectives of peace, stability, and progress,” Khan wrote on X
Khan’s visit included meetings with several senior Taliban officials, including the Taliban’s commerce minister, Nooruddin Azizi. In a separate post, he described the discussions as constructive, highlighting a focus on enhancing trade and economic cooperation between the neighboring countries.
“The discussion centered on strengthening trade ties, enhancing economic cooperation, promoting regional connectivity, and exploring opportunities for mutual growth,” Mr. Khan wrote.
The meetings come amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Relations have deteriorated following a recent airstrike by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s southeastern Paktika Province, which the Taliban said targeted a refugee camp. The strike, which reportedly killed 46 people, prompted sharp condemnation from Taliban officials, who accused Pakistan of violating Afghan airspace.
