Latest news with #Tehreek-e-TalibanPakistan
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Afghan acting FM to visit Pakistan for high-level talks next month
ISLAMABAD: The Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi, is expected to visit Pakistan early next month along with a delegation for high-level talks for expansion of bilateral economic, trade and political cooperation and reduction of bilateral tension, reliable sources in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) revealed on Monday. This would be Muttaqi's first visit to Pakistan in two years, highlighting the uptick in high-level exchanges between the two neighbouring countries during recent months. Sources said that the final dates for the visit are currently being worked out by Islamabad and Kabul. The visit follows an invitation extended by Deputy Foreign Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, during his visit to Afghanistan on April 19. Muttaqi's visit will help further promote and strengthen bilateral relations. The ties between Islamabad and Kabul remain tense due to surge in terrorism from across the border. Pakistan had repeatedly urged Afghanistan to stop use of its soil against Pakistan and dismantle Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts. It is worth mentioning here that the two leaders have met several times during last couple of months, including in Beijing, where China hosted an informal trilateral meeting aimed at strengthening Pakistan-Afghanistan ties and promoting regional connectivity. They also held discussions in Istanbul on the sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting late last month. In a substantial diplomatic development, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to elevate their Charge d'affaires to the level of ambassadors. Pakistan has upgraded Ubaidullah Nizamani to the rank of full Ambassador, while Sardar Shakeeb has been elevated to Ambassador in Islamabad in a tit-for-tat move. Pakistani Foreign Minister Dar also paid an important one-day visit to Kabul last week, accompanied by a high-level Pakistani delegation. During the visit, he held extensive talks with top Afghan leadership on the sidelines of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Framework Agreement discussions. Leadership of Pakistan and Afghanistan has agreed to elevate the relationships to new heights. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan offers Kabul to jointly fight terror
Listen to article Pakistan offered the Afghan interim government to jointly fight terrorist groups, which are causing unrest and instability, as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held crucial talks with Taliban authorities in a daylong visit to Kabul on Sunday. Naqvi is the latest high-ranking Pakistani minister to travel to the neighbouring country as part of a renewed push to reset ties and address the issue of cross border terrorism. The interior minister's visit came on the heels of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's trip to Kabul a few days ago. Naqvi, who was accompanied by special representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq Khan and Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, met with Afghan Interim Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqni. The talks, according to officials, focused on the issue of terrorism, border management and repatriation of Afghan refugees. But the issue of presence of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other anti-Pakistan groups in Afghanistan was on top of the agenda. Sources said that Naqvi delivered a clear message that Pakistan considers Afghanistan as its "brotherly neighbouring" country but highlighted the activities of terrorist groups as major obstacle in the bilateral ties. "Terrorist organisations are causing unrest and instability, we must jointly stop them," Naqvi was quoted as saying by his office after his meeting with the head of Haqqani Network. An interior ministry handout said the two sides discussed bilateral relations, particularly focusing on counterterrorism, cross-border infiltration, and the banned TTP. The talks were also held on effective management of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, prevention of drug trafficking, and regulating cross-border movement. The repatriation process of Afghan nationals, illegally residing in Pakistan, also came under discussion. Both interior ministers emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence, stability, and enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. They agreed to strengthen mutual collaboration to improve border management and eliminate the menace of terrorism. "Pakistan desires fraternal and long-lasting relations with Afghanistan. For decades, Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees selflessly, and the doors remain open for Afghan citizens to enter Pakistan legally," Naqvi said. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained stalled for many months before the two sides made a fresh attempt to sort out their differences. Dar's visit to Kabul in April led to greater engagement between the two neighbours. The Afghan government, according to sources, took certain steps to control the TTP. Some measures including a crackdown on Afghans, who were joining the TTP. Those steps helped build some trust between the two countries. Officials, however, cautioned that the Afghan side will have to demonstrate a lot more commitment to completely eradicate the threat emanating from the neighbouring country. Meanwhile, high-level exchanges between the two countries will continue as Afghan Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to travel to Islamabad soon.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to boost anti-terror cooperation
KABUL: Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to strengthen mutual cooperation for effective border management and the elimination of terrorism. This understanding was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Afghan counterpart Sirajuddin Haqqani in Kabul on Sunday. The two leaders underscored the importance of peaceful coexistence, regional stability, and enhanced collaboration between both nations. Discussions centred on bilateral relations, with a particular focus on counterterrorism, cross-border infiltration, and the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. They also explored strategies for efficient management of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, curbing drug trafficking, and regulating cross-border movement. Besides, the repatriation process of Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan was another key topic of discussion. Speaking on the occasion, Mohsin Naqvi stressed that terrorist organizations are fueling unrest and instability, and that both countries must work together to eliminate such threats. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to fostering fraternal and enduring relations with Afghanistan. He also highlighted Pakistan's decades-long hospitality towards millions of Afghan refugees, noting that the country's doors remain open for Afghan citizens arriving through legal channels. Earlier, upon his arrival at the Afghan Ministry of Interior, Mohsin Naqvi received a warm welcome from Sirajuddin Haqqani. The meeting was also attended by Afghanistan's Senior Deputy Interior Minister Ibrahim Sardar, Pakistan's Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq, Federal Secretary for Interior Khurram Agha, and other high-ranking officials.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Mohsin Naqvi discusses issues of cross-border terrorism, TTP with his Afghan counterpart
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a crucial meeting with his Afghan counterpart, Sirajuddin Haqqani, during a one-day official visit to Kabul on Saturday. The two leaders discussed a range of pressing issues, including enhancing counter-terrorism efforts, preventing cross-border infiltration and the threat posed by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Upon his arrival at the Afghan Ministry of Interior, Naqvi was warmly welcomed by Haqqani. The two ministers engaged in comprehensive discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties. They also addressed the challenges of drug trafficking, illegal movement across the border, and the repatriation of Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan. Afghan FM tells Pakistan's top diplomat deportations are 'disappointment' Both sides emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence and stable, mutual cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. They agreed to enhance coordination to improve border security and eliminate threat of terrorism. 'Terrorist organisations are creating chaos and instability in the region,' said Minister Naqvi, adding that Pakistan and Afghanistan must work together to defeat this menace. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to maintaining fraternal and long-term relations with Afghanistan, noting the country's decades-long hospitality to Afghan refugees. 'Our doors remain open for the legal entry of Afghan citizens,' he added. Pakistan, Afghanistan vow to strengthen security, address cross-border concerns The meeting was attended by Afghanistan's Senior Deputy Minister of Interior Ibrahim Sardar, Pakistan's Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq, Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, and senior officials from both countries' interior ministries. Earlier in the day, Minister Naqvi was received at Kabul International Airport by Afghan Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Nabi Omari and other senior Afghan officials. Naqvi's visit comes days after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar's Kabul visit, as Pakistan is striving to deepen strategic and security cooperation with international partners. During this visit, Dar called on Afghanistan's Acting Interior Minister Haqqani on Thursday, where the two sides held in-depth discussions on regional security cooperation and border management. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of eliminating security threats in the region and emphasised the need for close cooperation to maintain peace and stability. Dar stressed the critical importance of addressing all issues of concern, particularly related to security and border management, to unlock the full potential of economic cooperation and regional integration.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
14 TTP terrorists neutralised in K-P operations
Listen to article Security forces and police on Saturday killed 14 terrorists, belonging to outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and arrested eight others in two different operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). During these encounters, two policemen and a security forces personnel also sustained injuries. According to an official statement, the K-P Police and security forces conducted a joint operation in Hangu district after receiving intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the Zargari Shanawar area. A fierce exchange of gunfire took place, during which police and security forces eliminated nine terrorists. Hangu District Police Officer (DPO) Mohammad Khalid Khan, Doaba SHO Nabi Khan and one security forces' personnel also received bullet wounds. The DPO was reported to be in stable condition. He was initially moved to Kohat and is expected to be airlifted to Peshawar. Separately, Security forces conduct a coordinated operation in the Mazari Baba area of Malakand district, and killed at least five terrorists, according to initial reports. Two terrorists got injured while eight members of the TTP, also called Fitna al-Khawarij, were also rounded up. The forces acted promptly after receiving tip-off regarding infiltration of the terrorists from neighboring Afghanistan and cordoned off the area, leading to intense engagement. The operation continued till the filing of the report, However, the situation in the area was under control. In a statement, President Asif Ali Zardari commended the security forces for effectively engaging and neutralizing the Fitna Al-Hindustan terrorists. He also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured DPO and SHO. Zardari said terrorists wanted to sabotage peace and stability which could not be allowed, adding the nation was united and the scourge of terrorism would be defeated at all costs. He further reiterated the resolve that the state would continue its efforts with full force to root out terrorism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the police forces for killing nine Khawarij in the security operation in Hangu. He prayed for the speedy recovery of DPO Khan. K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur lauded Hangu DPO and his team for a successful counter-terrorism operation, stating that he "salutes Khan and his team for their bravery." Gandapur noted that DPO Khan personally confronted the terrorists on the frontline and, along with his team, foiled the militants' designs with exceptional courage and determination. "We are proud of such brave and fearless police officers and personnel," he said. He added that the history of the K-P Police is filled with stories of valour and sacrifice, and reaffirmed that the entire nation stands with the security forces in the fight against terrorism. K-P Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed contacted the officers injured in Hangu operation to inquire after their health. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also telephoned DPO Muhammad Khalid Khan, inquired about his condition and commended his bravery and leadership. "Under your command, the police team displayed immense courage and eliminated five terrorists of Fitna [al-Khawarij]," he said. He lauded the entire Hangu police team for their successful operation and described their action as a significant blow to terrorism.
