Islamabad, Kabul Agree To Enhance Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

The development came during a telephonic conversation between FM Ishaq Dar and his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Islamabad, Kabul Agree To Enhance Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban-led government agreed on Saturday to strengthen "counter-terrorism" cooperation and continue to work together to improve brotherly bilateral relations. 

The development occurred during a telephone conversation between Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi. 

"Expanding cooperation in connectivity, trade, security, counter-terrorism, and people-to-people contacts is the top objective for Pakistan," Dar wrote on X after receiving a congratulatory call from Afghanistan's interim minister. 

Earlier this week, Kabul highlighted the importance of preserving relations with Islamabad, stating that it was necessary to develop relations with all of its neighbors. 

Zabihullah Mujahid, an Afghan government spokesperson, asked Pakistan's new administration to be flexible in its deportation policy for Afghan refugees.

"First, the Islamic Emirate has always desired positive ties with all of its neighbors, including Pakistan, where a new government has formed. Afghanistan needs strong ties with Pakistan. 

"We want Pakistan to make good progress in various sectors with Afghanistan and ask the future government to solve all its problems," the spokesperson added.

"First, the Islamic Emirate has always desired cordial ties with all of its neighbors, including Pakistan, which has a new administration. Afghanistan also requires positive relations with Pakistan. 

"We want Pakistan to make good progress in various sectors with Afghanistan and ask the future government to solve all its problems," the spokesman went on to explain. 

The development comes amid a tense relationship between the two countries, with Afghanistan's acting Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund assuring Pakistan earlier this year that his country had absolutely no intention of causing harm or making issues for the neighboring country.