Efforts Underway To Redefine Ties With Taliban In Positive Direction, Says Pak FM

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that efforts are ongoing to redefine Pakistan’s relationship with the Taliban along a “positive trajectory,” while reiterating calls for the group to prevent the use of Afghan territory by insurgents.

Speaking on Monday at an event marking the 52nd anniversary of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, Dar emphasised that regional cooperation, especially through economic diplomacy, remains central to Pakistan’s foreign policy.

“In collaboration with China, a trilateral mechanism involving Afghanistan has been established to reframe our relations with Kabul in a constructive and forward-looking manner,” Dar said.

He highlighted his 19 April 2025 visit to Kabul and the China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Trilateral Ministerial Meeting held on 20 May 2025 in Beijing as significant steps towards fostering regional stability and cooperation.

Dar also confirmed that Pakistan has agreed to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, a move he described as part of broader efforts to promote regional connectivity and economic integration.

“Having made sincere efforts in Afghanistan’s interest, it is our legitimate expectation that the Afghan Interim Government will take all necessary steps to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against any country, especially Pakistan,” he said.

The foreign minister concluded by reaffirming that a peaceful, stable, united and prosperous Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s “vital national interest.”