Pakistan, Afghanistan discuss trade, transit, and refugee issues in Kabul

Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Ambassador Sadiq Khan, arrived in Kabul and met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday to discuss bilateral relations, trade, transit, and refugee issues.

The meeting, held as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, focused on political and economic cooperation, trade barriers, and people-to-people exchanges, according to Hafiz Zia Ahmad, deputy spokesman of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A statement from the Afghan Foreign Ministry said Muttaqi urged Pakistan to avoid linking transit and trade issues, warning that such obstacles were not in the interest of either country.

"These issues mustn't be linked to each other," the statement quoted Muttaqi as saying.

Afghan Foreign Minister also called for the dignified and gradual return of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan.

Ambassador Sadiq Khan acknowledged Afghanistan’s concerns, emphasizing that a secure Afghanistan benefits both Pakistan and the region.

"A good security situation in Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan and the region," he said.

He also promised to ease visa procedures for Afghan travelers and take practical steps to resolve transit issues. Both sides agreed to hold joint meetings to address challenges and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Pakistan's special envoy is on a three-day visit to Kabul, starting March 21 to 23. The visit highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen regional ties, address economic concerns, and ensure cooperation on pressing issues, the Foreign Ministry stated.