Latest news with #MuhammadSadiq
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Kabul assures Islamabad of peaceful border
Listen to article In the ongoing tension between Islamabad and Dehli, Pakistan's special envoy for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq Khan was successful in his diplomacy to ensure peace on the country's western border, sources said on Sunday. An unannounced support of a peaceful western border came when the special envoy for Afghanistan and his Chinese counterpart were in Kabul for enhancing regional connectivity by including Kabul in the China's flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Sunday saw the first of a series of trilateral meeting, involving the envoys of China and Pakistan with the senior officials of the Afghan Taliban government. The meeting at Kabul's Interior Ministry, was attended by Interior Minister Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, Yue Xiaoyong, China's special envoy, and Muhammad Sadiq, Pakistan's special envoy, along with their delegations. The meeting was convened to follow up on the discussions during the fifth trilateral dialogue between the foreign ministers of the three countries, prepare for the upcoming sixth round, and to enhance broader political and economic cooperation among them. During the meeting, Haqqani underscored the importance of strengthening regional ties, stating that from the Kabul's perspective, the advancement of economic and political relations, as well as regional understanding, could be achieved through mutual respect and constructive engagement. The special envoys of China and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening good neighbourly relations and fostering cooperation with Afghanistan based on mutual engagement. They also agreed that the sixth round of the foreign ministers trilateral dialogue would take place in Kabul. Besides, Interior Minister Haqqani assured a peaceful western border during the tension between Pakistan and India, according to the sources familiar with the development. The envoys of Pakistan and China also met with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. On the occasion, there was a convergence of views on economic among them on matters pertaining to security cooperation as well as regional stability. The interim Afghan foreign minister assured Islamabad of Kabul's "unwavering support" during the tension. The Pakistani and the Chinese envoys also met with the Afghan Commerce Minister Post to that, the two sides also met. As part of our ongoing trilateral engagements, I joined the Chinese Special Representative in a meeting with Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi and discussed matters pertaining to the expanding the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other related issues. "We held constructive discussions on strengthening trade and economic cooperation. Notably, the three sides agreed to build on the understandings from the May 2023 FM-level trilateral in Islamabad, especially on extending CPEC to Afghanistan," Envoy Muhammad Sadiq told The Express Tribune.
Express Tribune
16-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Regional Instability: The Taliban and the Abandoned Weapons
Since the withdrawal of U.S. forces in 2021, the Afghan Taliban's patronage and facilitation of terrorist groups have turned Afghanistan into a hub for militant activity. Over the past three years, the Taliban's rule has largely focused on exporting terrorism and fueling conspiracies, with their increasing alignment with Pakistan's adversaries further escalating regional violence and instability. Taking full advantage of the Taliban's support, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and BLA have significantly strengthened their presence, posing a major challenge to regional peace and security. Despite multiple failed peace negotiations over the past three years, Pakistan remains committed to addressing this threat. In a diplomatic engagement, Pakistan's special representative for Afghanistan, Muhammad Sadiq, visited Kabul to once again express serious concerns about the continued presence of anti-Pakistan terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. Pakistan has remained steadfast in its counterterrorism efforts over the past two decades, playing a critical role in the global War on Terror while striving for regional peace and stability. However, the worsening security situation is largely due to the unchecked movement of terrorist organizations such as the TTP and BLA, which exploit Afghanistan as a launchpad for cross-border attacks. Paktia province, which borders Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has become a major stronghold for these groups. A recent example of this was the attack on the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express, where terrorists maintained real-time communication with handlers in Afghanistan throughout the operation. Being a landlocked country, Afghanistan heavily relies on trade and transit through Pakistan for economic survival. However, frequent border closures and clashes have further weakened its economy. A primary roadblock to stable bilateral relations remains Kabul's inaction against anti-Pakistan militant groups, particularly the TTP and BLA. Given these challenges, continued diplomatic dialogue is essential for resolving outstanding security concerns and improving relations between the two nations. Keeping in view the past experience, a dual strategy of both kinetic and non-kinetic actions seems more successful, as mere dependence on kinetic actions will not completely dismantle terrorism. In the non-kinetic domain, the following measures are recommended: (a) Disrupting the financial line of the TTP by cutting off funding sources such as illicit trade, drug trafficking, weapon smuggling, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion. (b) Socioeconomic development of tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, as the TTP capitalizes on ethnic and economic discontent to expand its influence. (c) Countering and defeating the narrative used by the TTP to recruit and radicalize individuals. (d) Strict border management to control illegal movement. In addition to the above, Islamabad should continue diplomatic efforts to pressure Kabul into taking decisive action against anti-Pakistan militants operating from their soil. In this context, regional countries like China and Russia can play a major role. Last but not least, the IAG must understand that regional security and stability hinge on their practical demonstration of action against terrorists operating from their soil, irrespective of ideological alignment or any other political need. It goes without saying that U.S. military leftover weapons in Afghanistan have added to the list of challenges being faced by the region in general and Pakistan in particular. A detailed report by The Washington Post on April 13, 2025, validated Pakistan's concerns on the TTP and BLA exploiting abandoned U.S. military equipment to launch sophisticated attacks. This situation reflects the Afghan government's failure to secure the U.S. Army's abandoned weapons. Pakistan sees the U.S. arms left behind in Afghanistan not just as a security oversight but as a continuing source of regional instability and terrorism. It is high time for global action and UN sanctions against illicit arms fueling Afghan-based terrorism using U.S.-abandoned weapons.
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
The way to go
That the graph of terrorist incidents in Pakistan has spiked - and quite sharply at that - in the wake of the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021 is uncontestable. The numbers speak pretty loudly and clearly. Islamabad's incessant calls for Kabul to take action against the TTP anarchists that are behind the violent activities in Pakistan have fallen on deaf ears, causing the ties between the two sides to deteriorate - to the extent of hot pursuit warnings from none other than Pakistan's defence minister. However, just recently signs of some ice-breaking have emerged, with Kabul and Islamabad agreeing on a number of steps to ease simmering tensions between them. The breakthrough has come with the culmination of a three-day visit to Kabul by Pakistan's special representative for Afghanistan Muhammad Sadiq, this past Sunday. The reports that the two sides have agreed to establish a mechanism for regular interaction, and to keep trade and economic cooperation insulted from any political tensions are indeed welcome. The points agreed upon by the two neighbours need to be taken to the implementation stage. Negotiated settlement of issues between Islamabad and Kabul is indeed the way to go, especially now that the Trump administration too seems to have decided to engage with the Taliban 2.0 - something that is evident from the release of an American citizen just last week, followed by the release of two others in January. Needless to mention that it's not just Pakistan that is bearing the brunt of the nefarious pursuits of terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil. Apart from TTP, other terrorist outfits like Al-Qaeda, ETIM and IMU are also holed up in Afghanistan and exporting terror in the neighbourhood. Thus, countering terrorism through concerted efforts is in the interest of the whole region. To top it all, a peaceful Afghanistan is in the interest of the war-weary Afghan nation itself. How long will it take for the Taliban to realise the very fact?
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Envoy wraps up fruitful Kabul trip
Pakistan and Afghanistan are on course to break the ice in the relationship after the two sides agreed on a number of steps to ease simmering tensions between the two neighbours. The breakthrough was achieved during the visit of Pakistan's special representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, according to official sources familiar with the development. Sadiq wrapped up his three-day visit to Kabul on Sunday after holding a series of meetings in the Afghan capital. His meetings with the Afghan foreign and trade ministers were only made public but other engagements were kept under wraps. A source familiar with the closed-door discussions said the visit was ice-breaking, adding that there were hopes of thaw in the relationship after many months. The source told The Express Tribune that both sides agreed to establish a mechanism where regular interaction would take place not just at the official but also at the highest levels. "Before the visit there was talk of complete breakdown in the relationship but it is no longer the case," the source said. According to the source, more visits including at the Ministerial level exchanges are being planned. Another source pointed out that the Afghan Taliban leaders gave a very warm welcome to the Pakistani envoy. Kabul was desperately waiting for the re-engagement with Pakistan as the government there was worried about the negative fallout of strained ties. At the heart of the troubled ties is the issue of terrorist sanctuaries of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates. The source said the issue was on top of the agenda during Ambassador Sadiq's meetings with Afghan officials. The source revealed that the Afghan Taliban government was also concerned about the activities of TTP and sought time and Pakistan's cooperation to tackle the problem. The Taliban government expressed its inability to control the group or at least their movement close to the border. The Pakistani side was told that if Pakistan with huge army and all the resources can't stop TTP infiltration how could Kabul do the same. However, Pakistan was not convinced with their explanation and told the Afghan Taliban that they could do much more or at least stop Afghan nationals joining the TTP. Despite divergent views on certain issues, talks were held in a cordial and positive atmosphere, according to the source. The two sides expect a positive momentum barring any major incident that may derail the process. There was discussion between the two sides to separate political and other issues from trade and economic cooperation. The recent closure of key border crossing at Torkham for 26 days affected traders from both sides. Meanwhile, taking part in Pakistan Day celebrations at the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul, Ambassador Sadia said Pakistan and Afghanistan's economic interests were intrinsically interlinked. "Peace and progress in Afghanistan is essential for regional stability. Pakistan and Afghanistan must synergize their efforts to foster regional economic development. Afghanistan remains one of the most important regional partners of Pakistan," he remarked. He said both countries must work together to enhance bilateral trade and galvanise regional connectivity. "Pakistan remains committed to a strong and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship with Afghanistan," he further said.
Express Tribune
23-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
At the dialogue table
Listen to article Once again, Pakistan and Afghanistan find themselves at the negotiating table, attempting to resolve the same set of issues that have plagued their relationship for decades. Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq's visit to Kabul - his second in three months - signals Islamabad's willingness to keep the conversation going despite a history of inconclusive talks. This renewed diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan comes at a time when the fault lines in their relationship have never been more pronounced. That said, these meetings are a hopeful step. Diplomatic engagement, no matter how fraught, remains preferable to a complete breakdown in communication. But for these discussions to be truly meaningful, they must blossom into concrete action rather than becoming yet another iteration of cyclical talks that yield little beyond vague assurances. What these discussions fail to address is the larger dysfunction in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. The relationship is trapped in a cycle where crises dictate engagement, and once immediate tensions are defused, structural problems are left unaddressed. This reactive approach has made diplomacy transactional rather than strategic. Trade relations, while often cited as a stabilising force, remain hostage to political disputes. Meanwhile, the refugee crisis has reached a tipping point, with Islamabad's March 31 deadline for undocumented Afghans looming over an already fragile situation. More pressing, however, is the security situation. Pakistan has made it clear that cross-border militancy is a red line. Still, the Taliban continue to provide little more than diplomatic platitudes when confronted with the reality of TTP's presence in Afghanistan. The December airstrikes in the border region were a clear indication of Pakistan's growing impatience. Diplomatic engagement must move beyond reactive crisis management and instead be tied to clear, measurable commitments, particularly on security. There is still room for a reset, but only if both sides demonstrate the political will to break free from the entrenched patterns of the past.
