**(Image: A photo of Ishaq Dar, as provided in the original article)**
**ISLAMABAD:** Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reiterated the critical role of ongoing dialogue with Afghanistan’s interim government in addressing Pakistan’s concerns and fostering improved bilateral relations.
Dar emphasized this point while chairing a meeting in Islamabad focused on Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan. The meeting included a comprehensive briefing from Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, detailing his recent visit to Kabul. Ambassador Sadiq outlined key engagements with Afghan officials and discussions centered on bilateral cooperation.
The Foreign Secretary and other senior officials from the Foreign Ministry also participated in the meeting.
Ambassador Sadiq’s three-day visit to Kabul, which began last Friday, was undertaken at the direction of Deputy Prime Minister Dar.
During his visit, Ambassador Sadiq met with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi. The discussions covered a range of issues of mutual interest, including peace and security, trade and economic cooperation, and fostering connections between the people of both nations.
The Special Representative reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to sustained engagement and mutually beneficial ties with Afghanistan. He stressed the importance of addressing all concerns, particularly security-related issues, to strengthen bilateral relations further. Both sides agreed to increase high-level engagement and dialogue to enhance cooperation.
The commitment to a mutually beneficial relationship, aimed at achieving lasting regional peace and stability, was also reinforced.
In addition to meeting with Foreign Minister Muttaqi, Ambassador Sadiq also held talks with Afghanistan’s Acting Commerce Minister, Nooruddin Azizi. These discussions focused on bilateral trade and economic relations, as well as cooperation in the areas of transit and connectivity.
Ambassador Sadiq reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial ties with Afghanistan. Both sides agreed to work towards realizing the full potential of regional trade and connectivity for the benefit of both countries.
Ishaq Dar expressed his satisfaction with the discussions held with the Afghan side and provided directives to further strengthen bilateral ties, including through increased high-level engagement and enhanced trade and transit cooperation.