Special envoy on Afghanistan arrives in Kabul for key talks

By Tahir Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s special representative to Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq arrived in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday evening for talks with senior Afghan Taliban leaders on bilateral matters, focusing in Islamabad’s security concerns, Afghan and Pakistani sources in Kabul said.

Ambassador Sadiq is expected to hold several key ministers and also join a meeting of the border coordination committee, the sources in Islamabad and Pakistan.

This is Sadiq’s second visit to Kabul in less than three month and is seen important in view of the tense relationship after the Dec 24 airstrikes in Bermal district of Paktika province.

Pakistani sources said that the airstrikes had struck a TTP meeting and had killed high value targets.

The Taliban government had, however, denied the Pakistani stance and claimed that civilians were harmed.

The issue of TTP would on the top of agenda during the talks in view of the growing incidents of violence in the country, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, a source told HUM News English.

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Pakistan army and the Foreign Office said that the attackers, who hijacked passenger train in Balochistan this month, were in direct contact with planners in Afghanistan. The Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman had denied Pakistani statements.

 The Pakistani delegation is expected to hold meetings with Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, Commerce Minister Nooruddin Aziz and other senior officials.

The border coordination meeting on Afghan side will be led by deputy defence minister Abdul Qayyum Zakir.

Acting US Ambassador calls on Finance Minister

Earlier in the day, Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker called on Finance and Revenue Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Finance Division.

Their meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, including avenues for enhancing economic cooperation and increasing US investment in Pakistan’s priority sectors.

Natalie Baker commended Pakistan’s economic progress and its commitment to implementing necessary but challenging structural reforms.

She acknowledged the country’s resilience and the measures taken to strengthen the foundation for long-term economic stability.

She reiterated the US Administration’s commitment to fostering a strong bilateral relationship with Pakistan, with a particular emphasis on deepening economic cooperation and expanding investment opportunities.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening economic ties and exploring new areas of collaboration to advance shared economic goals.