Pakistan and Afghanistan held the first Additional Secretary-Level talks in Islamabad, following up recent high-level engagements aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across trade, security, connectivity, and people-to-people movement.
The Pakistani delegation was headed by Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani, Additional Secretary (Afghanistan & West Asia), and the Afghan delegation by Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, Director General of the First Political Division at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The establishment of this mechanism follows agreements reached earlier during the recent official visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to Kabul.
Security concerns were a key focus area during the meeting. Both sides acknowledged terrorism as a significant danger to regional peace, stability, and development. The Pakistani delegation specifically emphasized the need for Afghanistan to take concrete actions against terrorist entities operating from Afghan territory. These groups, they noted, threaten Pakistan’s internal security and undermine progress in bilateral initiatives and regional development.
In addition to security matters, the two countries reviewed progress toward enhanced trade and transit facilitation measures, including those previously agreed upon in Kabul. These measures include the waiver of a 10% processing fee, provision of insurance guarantees, reducing scanning and cargo examination procedures, and implementing a track-and-trace system to streamline Afghan transit trade through Pakistan.
Both delegations also highlighted the strategic importance of regional connectivity projects, notably the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway initiative. Acknowledging the potential of the railway to significantly promote regional integration, trade, and economic prosperity, both parties agreed to expedite negotiations aimed at finalising the Framework Agreement for the project.
Regarding the movement of Afghan nationals, Pakistan outlined its extensive facilitation efforts, noting that over 500,000 Afghan visas had been granted across diverse categories, including medical, tourism, business, and educational purposes, since January 2024. Both sides committed to collaborative efforts to strengthen legal channels for cross-border travel and address the movement of people in a structured and well-regulated manner.
At the conclusion of the talks, both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement and cooperation in tackling common challenges and further strengthening bilateral ties. They reiterated their recognition of lasting security as essential not only for the bilateral relationship but also for regional prosperity and stability. It was agreed that the next round of Additional Secretary-Level discussions will occur at mutually convenient dates.
