ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan on Sunday vowed to enhance cooperation to curb cross-border infiltration, especially by the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban militants, to eradicate terrorism that has spiked significantly after the Taliban’s rise to power.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Afghan counterpart Sirajuddin Haqqani in Kabul. According to a statement by the interior ministry, the two ministers discussed bilateral relations with a particular focus on counter-terrorism, cross-border infiltration, and the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan.
The meeting also covered other measures, such as effective border management, curbing drug trafficking, and regulating cross-border movement. The two sides also discussed the repatriation of Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan. They also stressed the need for peaceful coexistence, stability, and mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan and agreed to enhance bilateral collaboration to improve border management and eliminate terrorism.
Speaking on the occasion, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated, “Terrorist organisations are creating chaos and instability in the region, and both countries must work together to curb this menace.” He said Islamabad desired fraternal and long-lasting relations with Afghanistan. “Pakistan has provided selfless hospitality to millions of Afghan refugees for decades. The doors remain open for the legal entry of Afghan citizens,” he affirmed.
Naqvi meets Afghan counterpart as both sides stress need for ‘peaceful coexistence’
The meeting was also attended by Afghanistan’s Senior Deputy Minister of Interior Ibrahim Sardar, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq, Federal Secretary for Interior Khurram Agha, senior diplomatic officials, and officers of the Afghan Ministry of Interior.
As he arrived in Kabul for a one-day official visit, the minister was received at Kabul International Airport by Afghan Deputy Minister of Interior Mohammad Nabi Omari, along with other senior officials from the Afghan Ministry of Interior.
Last week, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also visited Afghanistan at the invitation of Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Besides signing a trilateral agreement regarding a railway project, Mr Dar had also met the acting Afghan interior minister.
In the meeting, both sides had held in-depth discussions on security matters and reaffirmed the importance of eradicating threats to regional countries.
Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2025
