(Asghar Ali Mubarak)
ISLAMABAD (TNS) Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Sadiq Khan has said that peace and development in Afghanistan are essential for regional stability.
Addressing the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul as the chief guest on the occasion of Pakistan Day, Sadiq Khan said that the economic interests of Pakistan and Afghanistan are strongly intertwined.
Earlier, the Pakistani ambassador met with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul, where the two agreed to continue their diplomatic dialogue to address current bilateral challenges, including trade, security and the status of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
“Pakistan and Afghanistan should coordinate their efforts to promote regional economic development,” he said, adding that the neighboring country is “one of Pakistan’s most important regional partners.”
A significant development in the trade relations between the two countries is the reopening of the Torkham border after a 27-day closure. The crossing was closed on February 21 due to a dispute over construction activities and reopened after mediation by a jirga.
Currently, the Torkham border is operating under a temporary arrangement until April 15, and talks are underway for a long-term solution. Islamabad has expressed hope that a permanent agreement will be reached before the expiry of the current mechanism. Sadiq Khan said, “The two countries should work together to increase bilateral trade and promote regional connectivity.” Pakistan is committed to building strong and mutually beneficial relations with Afghanistan. In his address on the occasion, Pakistan’s Head of Mission, Ambassador Obaid-ur-Rehman Nizami, called for paying tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces and reiterating the commitment to work for a strong and prosperous Pakistan.
He stressed the need to re-energize the country to overcome all internal and external challenges.
