Pakistan Satisfied With Talks With Taliban, Says Special Envoy Sadiq Khan

Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq Khan, says Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed satisfaction with his recent discussions in Kabul. Khan provided Dar with a detailed briefing after his three-day visit to Afghanistan, which began on Friday, 21 March.

During his visit, Khan met Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Trade Minister Nooruddin Azizi, and other senior officials. Khan reported discussing peace, security, economic cooperation, trade, and people-to-people ties with the Taliban.

The Pakistani envoy emphasised Islamabad’s commitment to ongoing engagement and mutually beneficial relations. He urged the Taliban to address security concerns to strengthen bilateral ties further.

Earlier, Pakistani newspaper Express Tribune reported that the primary issue during Khan’s talks was the activities of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Taliban reportedly admitted difficulty in controlling the TTP, particularly across border regions.

However, on Monday, Khan stated that both sides had agreed to increase high-level engagements to enhance bilateral cooperation. He added that discussions with the Taliban’s trade minister focused on improving economic exchanges, trade, and connectivity.

According to Khan, both sides agreed to maximise regional trade opportunities. Following the briefing, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar instructed officials to consolidate relations further through increased high-level exchanges and greater trade and transit cooperation.