First round of Pak-Afghan talks concludes, focusing on trade, security
Listen to article
The first round of additional secretary-level talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been completed, focusing on the implementation of decisions made during Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's visit to Kabul on April 19.
The discussions centered around key areas of mutual interest, including trade, transit cooperation, security, and connectivity.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Pakistani delegation was led by Additional Secretary for Afghanistan and Western Asia Ali Asad Gilani while the Afghan delegation was headed by Moti Noor Ahmad Noor, Director-General of the Political Division of the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
🔊PR NO.2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
Pakistan Hosts Inaugural Round of Additional-Secretary Talks Between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
🔗⬇️https://t.co/9zGDxpzsck pic.twitter.com/DsPum2XKJr
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 7, 2025
During the talks, both sides recognised terrorism as a significant threat to regional peace and security. Pakistan emphasised the need for decisive actions against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory, stressing that such groups undermine Pakistan's security and hinder regional development.
The two delegations also reviewed the progress of various agreements, including the removal of the 10% processing fee in Afghan transit trade, the provision of insurance guarantees, reductions in scanning procedures, and the activation of the track-and-trace system.
The inaugural round of the Additional Secretary-Level Mechanism between the Foreign Ministries of Pakistan and Afghanistan was held today in Islamabad pursuant to decisions reached during the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan to Kabul, Afghanistan,… pic.twitter.com/EKMH34xTUY — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 7, 2025
Additionally, the discussions covered the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway framework agreement, with both sides agreeing to finalise it soon. The return of Afghan citizens to their homeland was also a key topic of discussion.
The briefing revealed that since January 2024, Pakistan has issued over 500,000 visas for medical, tourism, business, and educational purposes. Both sides reiterated their commitment to facilitating legal movement of individuals across borders and enhancing bilateral ties.
The next round of talks will be scheduled at mutually agreed-upon dates, with both countries reaffirming their support for strengthening sustainable cooperation to address shared challenges.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
12 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
NICOPs of Imran's sons missing, says Aleema
Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan on Saturday said National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs) of Imran's sons were missing, hence, they had applied for NICOPs as well along visas for Pakistan. Speaking to media outside the Adiyala jail in Rawalpindi, Aleema said, 'One of the (Imran's) child has lost the NICOP, while the other has misplaced it.' She said this in response to a query that why Sulaiman and Kasim need visas when they hold NICOPs. She said NICOPs of Imran's sons were still valid for next 6-7 years. How they can snatch their right to travel to Pakistan, we have tracking numbers of their applications, she said, repudiating the claim allegedly made by some authorities that the brothers did not apply for visas at the London high commission. Aleema said they are utilising both the options to reach Pakistan to meet their father in the jail. 'If they (the authorities) wanted to grant them permission they could do so in no time,' she added. A day ago, she had said Sulaiman and Kasim have applied for Pakistani visas. In a post on X, Aleema had said, 'A few days ago Suleiman and Kasim applied for their visas with the Pakistan high commission in London. The ambassador has intimated that he is awaiting approval from the ministry of interior in Islamabad.' In a statement last week, Aleema had said that Kasim and Sulaiman held NICOPs and were expected to visit Pakistan soon to meet their imprisoned father. Imran Khan's sons appear on Piers Morgan show Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, she had confirmed that both the sons of the ex-prime minister possessed valid travel documents and 'will come to see their father anytime soon.' However, she had withheld specific dates, hinting at the fluidity and uncertainty surrounding their planned visits amid a politically charged environment. Government ministers have suggested the possibility that visa refusals might prevent the young men from entering the country. But Aleema had dismissed such claims as a transparent ploy – a calculated attempt by authorities fearful that the presence of Imran's sons could galvanise public support and intensify demands for his release. 'This is nothing but political harassment and an infringement upon the rights of a Pakistani citizen,' she had lamented. 'They want to isolate my brother, weaken his morale, and prevent the masses from seeing his condition. But we will not be intimidated.' She had revealed that her sisters, Noreen Khan and Uzma Khan, were denied permission again to meet Imran. Previously, the Adiyala jail had allowed six visitors at a time; this was subsequently reduced to just two.
Express Tribune
41 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
Iran's Pezeshkian lands in Pakistan on first official visit
Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Lahore on a two-day visit to Pakistan on August 2, 2025 where he was received by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN Listen to article Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for a two-day official visit, his first since assuming office. He was warmly received at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport by Pakistan Muslim League-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Express News reported. Dr Pezeshkian was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, senior ministers, and other high-ranking officials. According to the Foreign Office, the Iranian leader will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his stay. Speaking to the media before his visit, President Pezeshkian said the primary objective of his trip was to enhance trade and economic cooperation. He stated that matters concerning border security and regional peace would also be discussed, adding that cross-border markets and connectivity could open new avenues for collaboration. He expressed hope to raise bilateral trade to US$10 billion and reiterated Iran's interest in actively participating in the China–Pakistan Belt and Road Initiative, which he said could serve as a bridge connecting Iran with Europe. He also affirmed that attempts to undermine Pakistan–Iran Islamic unity would be unsuccessful. In May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif undertook a two-day visit to Iran as part of his regional tour to friendly nations, aimed at expressing gratitude for their support during the conflict with India. During the visit, he met with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Pezeshkian. The discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations, with particular emphasis on enhancing trade and regional connectivity. Both sides also addressed broader regional issues and acknowledged Iran's efforts to promote peace during the war imposed on Pakistan by India.
Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Romania offers Constanța Port as gateway for Pakistani exports to Europe
Romania has proposed the use of its Port of Constanța to provide Pakistan direct access to European markets via the Black Sea and Danube River. The initiative was welcomed by Islamabad, calling it a viable step toward diversifying Pakistan's export logistics. The development came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Romanian Ambassador to Pakistan, Dan Stoenescu, during which they discussed enhancing cooperation in trade, logistics, defence, energy, and culture, read a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce. Both sides discussed boosting agri-trade, meat exports, and potential cooperation in pharmaceuticals, surgical goods, fans, and green energy. 'On energy, Romania expressed readiness to support Pakistan's shift to green energy, offering technology in solar and wind power,' read the statement. Vietnam keen to invest & trade with Pakistan, says Kamal Acknowledging Pakistan's competitive edge in several sectors, Romania expressed interest in deeper industrial collaboration. Jam Kamal apprised the Romanian envoy that the government has started reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers. 'This offers lucrative incentives for Romanian companies to invest in Pakistan through JVs,' he said. Ambassador Stoenescu acknowledged the remarkable growth of Pakistan's IT industry and commended the talent and capabilities of Pakistani professionals in this sector. He noted that Romania offers significant opportunities for Pakistani tech professionals and expressed willingness to facilitate such exchanges. Meanwhile, the commerce minister highlighted the policy initiatives undertaken by the government to promote the IT sector. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the technology sector. During the meeting, cultural diplomacy and community integration were also addressed, with calls to improve connectivity and visa facilitation.
