During his visit to Kabul, Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, held talks with acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi regarding bilateral relations between Kabul and Islamabad.

Muttaqi emphasized that obstacles to trade and transit benefit neither side and stressed that unrelated issues should not be linked together. Practical steps to resolve ongoing trade and transit issues between the two countries were also discussed.

Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: “The acting foreign minister reminded the Pakistani side that creating barriers to trade and transit is in no one’s interest and that matters should not be interconnected.”

The gradual and dignified return of Afghan refugees was another topic raised during the meeting. The Pakistani envoy also stated that ensuring security in Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan and the region. He pledged to ease the visa issuance process for Afghan citizens.

Yousuf Amin Zazai, a military affairs analyst, commented on the historical context of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, saying: “Based on our experience since the formation of Pakistan, this country has pursued an undeclared hostility toward the people of Afghanistan.”

Jannat Faheem Chakari, a political affairs analyst, stated: “The visit of Pakistan’s special envoy to Afghanistan is a positive step toward addressing migration challenges in Pakistan and clarifying the ambiguous political relations between the two countries. It could be considered a constructive move in resolving both issues.”

Clashes along both sides of the hypothetical Durand Line, Pakistan’s airstrikes in parts of Paktika province, and the deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan have significantly impacted bilateral relations over the past year.