Pakistan, Afghanistan resume talks amid rising tensions

Islamabad

Pakistan and Afghanistan held a key meeting in Kabul on Wednesday to ease tensions and discuss border issues. Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Sadiq Khan, visited Kabul to join the second round of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Coordination Committee (JCC). This meeting came after 16 months of silence between the two nations.

The Afghan side was led by Deputy Defence Minister Mullah Abdul Qayum Zakir, a former Guantanamo detainee known for his tough views on Pakistan. Talks are happening at a time when ties are strained. Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of helping militant groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch fighters, who have been behind attacks inside Pakistan.

On the other hand, Afghanistan is upset over Pakistan’s decision to send back thousands of Afghan migrants, including those with Afghan Citizen Cards. Kabul has urged Islamabad to stop the repatriation, but Pakistan has refused.

Later in the day, the Afghan Consul General in Peshawar planned to speak to the media to express concerns about the deportations. At the same time, another Afghan team, led by Industry and Commerce Minister Noor Uddin Azizi, arrived in Islamabad to discuss trade and cooperation.

Experts say this round of talks is very important. Pakistan is accusing the Taliban of giving U.S. and NATO weapons to anti-Pakistan groups. Both countries now face pressure to lower tensions and find peaceful solutions.