Pakistan, Afghanistan Conclude Successful First Round of Additional Secretary-Level Talks in Islamabad
Islamabad:The first round of **Additional Secretary-level talks** between the **Foreign Ministries of Pakistan and Afghanistan** concluded successfully on **Monday in Islamabad**, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to **regional cooperation and security**.
According to a statement from Pakistan’s **Foreign Office**, the talks were a continuation of decisions made during **Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Kabul on April 19, 2025**.
The **Pakistan delegation** was led by **Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani**, Additional Secretary for Afghanistan and West Asia, while the **Afghan delegation** was headed by **Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor**, Director General of the First Political Division of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
### Key Outcomes of the Talks:
* **Pakistan stressed the urgent need** for **concrete action against terrorist groups** operating from **Afghan soil**, highlighting their role in undermining Pakistan’s security and obstructing regional development.
* The two sides discussed **enhancing trade and transit cooperation**, particularly in light of measures announced during FM Dar’s Kabul visit. Topics included:
* Elimination of the **10% processing fee** on Afghan transit goods
* **Insurance guarantees**
* Reduction in **cargo scanning and inspections**
* Implementation of a **track-and-trace system** for transit transparency
* Both delegations acknowledged the importance of **regional connectivity** and agreed on **accelerating the finalization** of the **Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway framework agreement**, recognizing its **strategic importance** for sustainable development and shared prosperity.
* Discussions also covered the **return of Afghan nationals**, with Pakistan highlighting its facilitative approach by issuing **over 500,000 visas** since January 2024 across various categories.
* The two countries **agreed to enhance legal cross-border movement** and improve cooperation on **documentation and border procedures**.
* Both sides reaffirmed the need for **continuous communication** to address mutual challenges and viewed **sustainable security** as fundamental to regional progress and stronger bilateral relations.
The next round of Additional Secretary-level talks will be scheduled at a **mutually agreed future date**.
This diplomatic engagement marks a **constructive step** toward improved **Pakistan-Afghanistan ties**, with a focus on **security, trade, transit, and regional connectivity**.
