Pakistan and Afghanistan Hold First Round of Additional Secretary-Level Talks in Islamabad

Islamabad: Pakistan hosted the inaugural round of Additional Secretary-Level Talks with Afghanistan in Islamabad on Monday, aimed at strengthening cooperation on trade, security, regional connectivity, and legal migration.

This high-level dialogue was initiated following commitments made during the visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to Kabul on April 19, 2025.

The talks were co-chaired by Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani, Additional Secretary for Afghanistan & West Asia at Pakistan’s Foreign Office, and Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, Director General of the First Political Division at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The agenda included comprehensive discussions on:

• Bilateral trade and transit facilitation
• Counterterrorism cooperation
• Infrastructure and regional connectivity
• Repatriation and visa facilitation for Afghan nationals

Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to counterterrorism. The Pakistani side stressed the need for tangible action against terrorist outfits operating from Afghan territory, emphasizing the threat such groups pose to regional peace and development.

Progress on trade facilitation measures agreed in April 2025 was reviewed, including:

• Removal of 10% processing fees for Afghan goods
• Provision of insurance guarantees
• Reduction in cargo scanning and examination procedures
• Activation of a track-and-trace system to monitor goods

These steps aim to enhance Afghan transit trade through Pakistan, supporting regional economic integration.

The two delegations emphasized the strategic importance of the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (UAP) Railway, and agreed to fast-track the finalization of the Framework Agreement, calling it a vital corridor for regional prosperity.

Pakistan shared updates on its efforts to support the legal movement of Afghan citizens, including the issuance of over 500,000 visas since January 2024. These covered multiple categories such as:

• Medical
• Educational
• Business
• Tourist categories

Both countries agreed to collaborate on improving legal cross-border mobility and ensuring humane and documented repatriation processes.

The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to strengthen institutional dialogue and build a lasting foundation for bilateral cooperation. It was agreed that the next round of Additional Secretary-Level Talks would be held on mutually agreeable dates.

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