Muhammad Imad Abbas

ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan&rsquo;s interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is on an official seven-day visit to India, emphasizing the potential of Iran&rsquo;s Chabahar Port as a vital trade link between India and Afghanistan.&nbsp;The visit, delayed earlier due to visa clearance issues, marks the first official trip by an Afghan interim minister to India since the Taliban takeover. Previously, India&rsquo;s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Kabul in January 2021 during former president Ashraf Ghani&rsquo;s tenure.&nbsp;Addressing a press conference at the Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi, Muttaqi underlined the significance of Chabahar Port, calling it a &ldquo;good option for trade.&rdquo; He urged both India and Afghanistan to &ldquo;remove obstacles&rdquo; to its full utilization, noting that &ldquo;US sanctions have complicated operations.&rdquo;&nbsp;Chabahar is not a new trade idea for Afghanistan. Successive governments have explored it as an alternative route connecting Afghanistan to global markets through Iran, bypassing Pakistan. Yet, questions remain over whether it can become a reliable trade corridor that benefits Afghan traders and strengthens regional ties.&nbsp;Why Chabahar matters for India?Located along Iran&rsquo;s southeastern coast on the Gulf of Oman, Chabahar holds strategic importance for India. It lies just 550 nautical miles from Gujarat&rsquo;s Kandla port and offers New Delhi a direct trade corridor to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Europe, circumventing Pakistan.&nbsp;Since 2016, India has invested heavily in the project, spending nearly half of its allocated 4 billion Indian rupees. A year ago, India signed a 10-year agreement with Iran&rsquo;s Ports and Maritime Organization to manage and develop the port through India Ports Global Limited (IPGL).&nbsp;The initiative is part of India&rsquo;s broader vision to integrate Chabahar into the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), linking India to Russia via Iran. Originally proposed in 2003 as a counterbalance to Pakistan&rsquo;s Gwadar Port, developed under China&rsquo;s Belt and Road Initiative, the Chabahar project has faced repeated delays due to sanctions and bureaucratic hurdles.&nbsp;Challenges facing the projectDespite India&rsquo;s commitment, challenges persist. Afghan experts say Kabul remains skeptical of India&rsquo;s reliability as a partner.&nbsp;&ldquo;Afghanistan continues not to see India as a dependable ally because New Delhi has traditionally remained distant from Kabul,&rdquo; said Zia Ur Rehman, a Pakistan-based expert on Afghan affairs, speaking to Pakistan TV Digital.&nbsp;He added, &ldquo;India&rsquo;s renewed interest in Afghanistan is driven by geopolitical signaling aimed at maintaining influence along Pakistan&rsquo;s western border.&rdquo;&nbsp;India&rsquo;s caution stems from its fraught history with the Taliban. The hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane to Kandahar in 1999 and the 2008 Kabul embassy bombing, both linked by India to Taliban elements, continue to shape New Delhi&rsquo;s approach.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Afghan traders remain reluctant to abandon the shorter and cheaper trade routes through Pakistan. &ldquo;Chabahar increases transport costs, and those dealing in perishable goods cannot afford delays of several days,&rdquo; said Qudrat Ullah, a local trader speaking to Pakistan TV Digital.&nbsp;Sanctions and strategic setbacksComplicating matters further, the Trump administration&rsquo;s decision to revoke the US sanctions waiver on Chabahar has disrupted India&rsquo;s plans. The exemption, granted in 2018, allowed India to operate freely at Iran&rsquo;s Makran coast despite broader sanctions on Tehran.&nbsp;&ldquo;This move will disrupt New Delhi&rsquo;s strategic and economic ambitions in Iran and Central Asia,&rdquo; said Rehman, adding that the decision exposes Indian operators at Chabahar&rsquo;s Shahid Beheshti terminal to punitive action under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA).&nbsp;As Afghanistan&rsquo;s acting foreign minister pushes for renewed cooperation, India faces a delicate balancing act, navigating strained regional dynamics, economic sanctions, and a skeptical Kabul, all while striving to keep its Chabahar ambitions afloat. NOTE: $1 was equal to ₹88.72 (Indian Rupees) at the time of publishing of this article.

India

Experts warn India’s Chabahar ambitions face major setbacks after the Trump administration revoked sanctions waivers, exposing Indian operators to punitive action and disrupting New Delhi’s strategic trade and connectivity plans in Iran and Central Asia.

New Delhi’s Chabahar ambitions face hurdles amid Afghan FM’s India visit

Muhammad Usman Amin

Mariam Ellahi

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI/PESHAWAR: Afghanistan has requested Pakistan to halt its &ldquo;heavy counteraction&rdquo; after the Pakistan Army launched a strong and sustained response to unprovoked cross-border firing from Afghan forces, security sources told Pakistan TV Digital.&nbsp;According to the sources, Afghan troops carried out unprovoked firing late Saturday night across multiple points along the Pak-Afghan border, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Baramcha in Balochistan, allegedly to facilitate the infiltration of Khawarij formations, a faction Islamabad identifies as Indian-sponsored proxies of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).&nbsp;Pakistan Army positions responded with full force using artillery, tanks, and aerial assets, effectively targeting Afghan military posts and militant hideouts.&nbsp;&ldquo;A strong and decisive response from the Pakistan Army against Afghan forces is ongoing. Afghan forces are in a state of panic due to the intense retaliation,&rdquo; security sources said. &ldquo;Several Afghan posts have been abandoned as a result of heavy losses.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;Afghan soldiers fled, leaving behind multiple bodies at their posts following Pakistan&rsquo;s effective and intense response.&rdquo;&nbsp;Security sources confirmed that Afghanistan has formally requested Pakistan to halt its counteraction, as Pakistani forces continue to target positions linked to Khawarij and Daesh elements operating from Afghan territory.&nbsp;The sources further revealed that Pakistani forces employed a combination of precision artillery and drone strikes to destroy multiple Afghan posts. &ldquo;The Army&rsquo;s timely and decisive action has neutralized key militant hideouts under the protection of Afghan authorities,&rdquo; one official added.&nbsp;District administration officials confirmed that several missiles were fired from the Afghan side targeting civilian areas across the border, prompting Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;measured but powerful&rdquo; military response to protect its citizens.&nbsp;Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned Afghanistan&rsquo;s unprovoked firing, calling it a &ldquo;blatant violation of international law.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;Pakistan&rsquo;s brave forces have shown, with an immediate and effective response, that any provocation will not be tolerated,&rdquo; Naqvi said.&nbsp;&ldquo;Our forces are vigilant, and Afghanistan is being answered brick for brick. The fire and blood being played out from Afghanistan have links to our perennial enemy,&rdquo; he added, referring to India.&nbsp;&ldquo;Afghanistan will be given a strong, decisive response, just as India was, so it will not dare cast a covetous eye toward Pakistan,&rdquo; the minister warned.&nbsp;Defence analyst Hassan Khan told Pakistan TV that the current Afghan behavior reflected a deep betrayal of Pakistan&rsquo;s long-standing support.&nbsp;&ldquo;Pakistan hosted millions of Afghans for decades. Now, their behavior has completely changed,&rdquo; Khan said. &ldquo;Afghanistan is harbouring and providing hideouts to groups like the TTP, BLA, and Majeed Brigade. Their forces are now giving cover to Fitna al-Khawarij to harm Pakistan.&rdquo;&nbsp;Another analyst, Agha Iqrar, stressed that Pakistan must reassess its Afghan strategy.&nbsp;&ldquo;The Afghan Taliban are not only hosting, harbouring, and funding TTP and Fitna al-Khawarij, but more than 42 militant groups are operating from Afghan soil,&rdquo; he noted. &ldquo;Pakistan must take decisive action and redefine its Afghan policy.&rdquo;&nbsp;Taliban officials in Kunar, Nangarhar, Paktia, Khost, and Helmand confirmed to AFP that clashes were ongoing along several points of the border.&nbsp;The escalation follows two days after a deadly terrorist attack on the Police Training School in Dera Ismail Khan, in which six policemen, including trainees, embraced martyrdom. According to ISPR, members of &ldquo;Fitna al-Khawarij&rdquo; rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the facility but were eliminated after an intense firefight.&nbsp;In the wake of the rising tensions, Saudi Arabia and Iran have both called for restraint and dialogue.&nbsp;The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in a statement by its ministry of foreign affairs, said:&nbsp;&ldquo;The Kingdom is following with concern the tensions and clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. We urge both sides to exercise self-restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritize dialogue and wisdom to preserve regional stability.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;Saudi Arabia reaffirms its support for all regional and international efforts aimed at strengthening peace and prosperity for the two brotherly Pakistani and Afghan peoples.&rdquo;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iran&rsquo;s ministry of foreign affairs expressed similar concern, urging both countries to resolve their differences peacefully.&nbsp;&ldquo;Iran is closely monitoring developments and calls on both sides to engage diplomatically to prevent further escalation,&rdquo; an Iranian spokesperson said in Tehran. &ldquo;Peace and cooperation must prevail over confrontation.&rdquo;&nbsp;Security officials in Islamabad reiterated that Pakistan remains resolute in defending its sovereignty.&nbsp;&ldquo;Any future aggression or attempt to aid terrorist infiltration will be met with a strong and immediate response,&rdquo; one senior source emphasized.

Security

Islamabad’s security sources say Pakistan Army’s strong and coordinated retaliation destroyed multiple Afghan border posts, forcing Afghan troops to flee amid mounting casualties. The clashes follow recent militant attacks in Dera Ismail Khan linked to Afghanistan-based groups.

Afghanistan urges Pakistan to halt ‘heavy counteraction’: security sources

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed &ldquo;strong reservations&rdquo; over elements of the India-Afghanistan Joint Statement issued on October 10 in New Delhi and the accompanying remarks by the Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi, the foreign office said, terming them contrary to international law and regional stability.&nbsp;According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Pakistan conveyed its strong objections to Afghanistan&rsquo;s diplomat in Islamabad, Sardar Ahmad Shekib, through the additional foreign secretary.&nbsp;The ministry said that the reference to Jammu and Kashmir as part of India in the joint statement was &ldquo;a clear violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions&rdquo; and disregarded &ldquo;the legal and internationally recognized disputed status of the territory.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;The statement is highly insensitive to the sacrifices and sentiments of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in their just struggle for the right to self-determination,&rdquo; MOFA said.&nbsp;Pakistan also strongly rejected the Afghan interim foreign minister&rsquo;s remarks suggesting that &ldquo;terrorism was Pakistan&rsquo;s internal problem.&rdquo; The foreign office termed the statement misleading and contrary to ground realities.&nbsp;It emphasized that Islamabad has repeatedly shared credible evidence with Kabul regarding the presence of Fitna-e-Khawarij and Fitna-e-Hindustan, factions identified as Indian-sponsored proxies of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating from Afghan soil with external support and conducting cross-border attacks inside Pakistan.&nbsp;The development comes amid heightened tensions following a deadly terrorist assault on the Police Training School in Dera Ismail Khan on the night of October 10&ndash;11. The attack, claimed by elements linked to Fitna al-Khawarij, resulted in the martyrdom of six policemen and injuries to several others. Pakistani security agencies have since reiterated their stance that such groups receive facilitation from across the border.&nbsp;&ldquo;It was underscored that deflecting the responsibility of controlling terrorism towards Pakistan cannot absolve the Interim Afghan Government of its obligations to ensure peace and stability in the region,&rdquo; the statement read.&nbsp;MOFA further noted that Pakistan has hosted nearly four million Afghans for over four decades out of goodwill and humanitarian concern. With improving conditions in Afghanistan, Islamabad reiterated its stance that unauthorized Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan should return to their homeland, while emphasizing that Pakistan continues to issue medical and study visas on humanitarian grounds.&nbsp;Reaffirming its commitment to regional peace and cooperation, Pakistan said it remains desirous of a &ldquo;peaceful, stable, regionally connected, and prosperous Afghanistan.&rdquo; However, the statement concluded that Islamabad &ldquo;expects the Interim Afghan Government to take concrete steps to prevent its territory from being used by Fitna-e-Khawarij and Fitna-e-Hindustan terrorist elements against Pakistan.&rdquo;

Foreign Affairs

Islamabad says it has shared evidence with Kabul on Indian-sponsored militant groups operating from Afghan soil and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir’s disputed status, reaffirmed by UN resolutions, cannot be altered by political statements or alliances.

Pakistan raises concerns over India-Afghanistan statement, rejects Afghan minister’s remarks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan respects Afghanistan&rsquo;s sovereignty but has expressed concern over the use of Afghan territory for terrorist activities against Pakistan, the Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said in a weekly press briefing on Friday. He stated that while Pakistan acknowledges Afghanistan&#39;s right to determine its foreign policy, it requests that Afghan soil not be used for attacks on Pakistan. Targeted operations against terroristsThe foreign office spokesperson stated that Pakistan was conducting targeted operations against terrorists along the border to protect its citizens. These operations are being carried out with precision based on credible intelligence as Pakistan aims to eliminate threats from militant groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which have destabilized the region. &ldquo;Pakistan believes Afghanistan must restore its sovereignty and security and eliminate terrorist groups,&rdquo; Shafqat Ali Khan said. He called for collective regional action to address the threat posed by groups like the TTP, which destabilize both countries. Diplomatic engagement and cooperation with AfghanistanPakistan has always preferred dialogue and diplomacy to resolve issues, even in the face of threats. The Pakistani spokesperson called on Afghan authorities to prevent terrorism emanating from their soil since both &ldquo;Pakistan and Afghanistan share an interest in fighting terrorism and ensuring regional stability.&rdquo; Strengthening ties with Saudi ArabiaPakistan&rsquo;s relationship with Saudi Arabia has been strengthening, especially in the areas of trade and investment. Shafqat Ali Khan spoke about the recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where both sides discussed expanding economic ties under the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Business Council. The talks focused on increasing cooperation in trade, investment, and sectors aligned with Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Vision 2030 and Pakistan&rsquo;s economic agenda. Both countries are aiming to develop partnerships in textiles, logistics, agriculture, energy, and defense. Pakistan-Tajikistan bilateral cooperationThe Foreign Office also shared details about the sixth Pakistan-Tajikistan Political Consultation meeting held in Dushanbe on September 29-30, 2025. The Pakistani delegation, led by Syed Ali Asif Gilani, and the Tajik delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Farrukh Sharifzada, discussed trade, defense, energy, education, and cultural ties. The two sides agreed to increase trade in textiles, logistics, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals and to speed up the $1.16 billion hydroelectricity project, CASA-1000, to improve energy and regional connectivity. Cooperation on counterterrorism and training programs was also discussed.&nbsp; The next meeting will be held in Islamabad in 2026. Quadrilateral Meeting of Special Representatives for AfghanistanPakistan&rsquo;s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Muhammad Sadiq, represented the country at a quadrilateral meeting in Moscow with China, Iran, and Russia.&nbsp; The foreign office spokesperson noted that Muhammad Sadiq also held bilateral meetings with senior officials from these countries to discuss regional cooperation and security. US investment proposal in Pasni PortShafqat Ali Khan also addressed reports about a new port being developed with American investment, clarifying that the project is still in the early stages.&nbsp;&ldquo;Discussions on these proposals are in the initial stage,&rdquo; he said, adding that no official policy or initiative has been set by the Pakistani government. Pakistan&rsquo;s foreign policyThe Pakistani spokesperson stated that Pakistan&rsquo;s foreign policy was based on mutual respect and non-alignment in global politics. &ldquo;Pakistan&rsquo;s priority is economic stability and national security. We do not want to be part of any bloc politics,&rdquo; he said.

Pakistan’s diplomatic approach focuses on strengthening regional cooperation, ensuring security, and maintaining neutrality in international politics. The country aims to resolve conflicts peacefully while protecting its sovereignty and economic interests.

Pakistan respects Afghan sovereignty but warns against threats from Afghan soil

ISLAMABAD: Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad said Friday it is launching flights to Kabul, making it the latest airline to offer direct routes to the Afghan capital. Etihad, which announced a record $476 million profit in 2024, said the new service responded to &ldquo;growing demand&rdquo; for travel between the United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan and that the three weekly flights starting in December would support &ldquo;trade, travel, and community ties.&rdquo; &ldquo;The UAE hosts one of the largest Afghan communities in the Gulf, with around 300,000 Afghans living and working in the country, according to the Afghan Business Council,&rdquo; the airline said in a statement. &ldquo;The new flights will further strengthen these economic and social ties while enhancing connectivity through Abu Dhabi.&rdquo; Other international carriers flying direct to Kabul include Turkish Airlines and FlyDubai. India reopens embassy&nbsp;Even though the Taliban are largely isolated from the West, due to their restrictions on women and girls, they have successfully established bilateral relations with regional powers. In July, Russia became the first country to recognize them as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. And, on Friday, India said it was upgrading its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy.

Asia

Etihad Airways will launch flights to Kabul, citing growing demand and strong UAE-Afghan ties. The move enhances trade and travel, despite Afghanistan’s political isolation under Taliban rule.

Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad launches direct flights to Kabul

PESHAWAR: In a crowded corridor of Peshawar&rsquo;s Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), Waheedullah sits quietly on a plastic chair, his hands wrapped around a chipped cup of tea. His eyes dart toward the intensive care ward every time the door opens. Inside lies his younger brother, Inayatullah, who has just undergone surgery, his fourth in two years. &ldquo;We came here because the doctors in Kabul said Pakistan was our only hope,&rdquo; he tells Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;Back home, they had done everything they could. But my brother was still in pain.&rdquo; Waheedullah and his family travelled from Afghanistan&rsquo;s Kunar province, carrying little more than a few clothes and a small bag of documents. Their journey through the Torkham border was long and anxious, one that thousands of Afghans make each month in search of medical care they can no longer find at home.&nbsp;Lifeline across the borderFor Afghans like Inayatullah, Pakistan&rsquo;s hospitals have become a lifeline. Every day, a quiet stream of patients crosses into Peshawar, a city now known as a hub for cross-border healthcare. &ldquo;We receive about 10 to 12 Afghan patients daily on medical visas,&rdquo; said Dr Muhammad Ikram, a resident surgeon at HMC. &ldquo;Most of them come with complicated cases, often after unsuccessful surgeries in Afghanistan. Many are post-operative or cancer patients who simply couldn&rsquo;t get the right treatment there.&rdquo; Afghanistan&rsquo;s healthcare system has been in free fall since 2021. The Taliban&rsquo;s return to power, the withdrawal of aid, and the exodus of trained professionals have left hospitals struggling to function. The World Health Organization estimates that one in five Afghans has no access to even basic healthcare. &ldquo;Patients often arrive in serious condition,&rdquo; Dr Ikram added. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s heartbreaking because many of these complications could have been prevented.&rdquo;&nbsp;&lsquo;Getting a visa&rsquo;At the nearby Torkham crossing, Afghan patients must present their medical documents for verification by a Pakistani doctor before being allowed entry. Shakeela, an Afghan student in Pakistan, recalls the ordeal of getting her father across for treatment. &ldquo;The medical visa is easier than others, but it&rsquo;s still a long process,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;And if the treatment takes longer than the visa, you have to go back to Torkham to renew it. Imagine doing that when your father is on chemotherapy.&rdquo; Despite the hurdles, most families say they find compassion once they arrive. &ldquo;The hospital took us in without delay,&rdquo; Waheedullah said. &ldquo;They didn&rsquo;t ask for money right away, they just said, &lsquo;Let&rsquo;s start the treatment.&rsquo;&rdquo; According to Dr Ikram, core services such as doctor consultations, nursing, and hospital rooms are provided free of charge. Only certain medicines or specialized materials need to be bought privately.&nbsp;&lsquo;They treated us like family&rsquo;In another ward, Khawar, who travelled from Jalalabad with his wife, shares a similar story.&nbsp; &ldquo;In Afghanistan, they told us there was nothing more they could do,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Here, they treated us like family. The doctors listened, they explained, they cared.&rdquo; His wife&rsquo;s treatment is ongoing, but he says the kindness he encountered has stayed with him. &ldquo;When someone is sick, you stop thinking about borders. You just want help. And here, we found it.&rdquo;&nbsp;Prayers and hopeAs night settles over the hospital, the hum of machines mixes with the soft call to prayer echoing from a nearby mosque. Families spread their prayer mats along the corridor floors, quietly raising their hands for the health of their loved ones. Waheedullah joins them, bowing his head on a small mat he carries folded in his bag. &ldquo;In our village, when someone is ill, we pray together,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;Here, I pray alone, but Allah is listening.&rdquo; When the prayer ends, he rolls up the mat carefully and returns to his seat, eyes fixed once again on the ward door. &ldquo;Pakistan gave my brother a second chance,&rdquo; he says quietly. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s something we will never forget.&rdquo;&nbsp;Compassion as diplomacyDespite the political strains between the two countries, Pakistan&rsquo;s hospitals continue to treat thousands of Afghan nationals each year. Health officials say the arrangement is both humanitarian and practical, an extension of decades of cross-border ties. &ldquo;When a patient crosses that border, they&rsquo;re not Afghan or Pakistani. They&rsquo;re just human,&rdquo; said one senior health official at HMC. And as the corridors of Peshawar&rsquo;s hospitals fill with whispered prayers and waiting hearts, that simple truth seems to carry louder than any politics, that in the act of healing, humanity itself finds its voice.

Health

Afghanistan’s collapsing healthcare system has forced thousands to seek treatment in Pakistan. With hospitals back home under-equipped and understaffed since 2021, Peshawar’s medical facilities have become a critical lifeline for Afghans in desperate need of care.

Healing without borders: Afghan patients find lifeline in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif announced on Thursday that the government plans to send a delegation to Afghanistan, citing &ldquo;unbearable&rdquo; security concerns following a series of deadly attacks on Pakistani security forces. Speaking at the National Assembly, Asif called for unity among federal and provincial governments, urging them to stand firmly behind the armed forces in the fight against terrorism. &ldquo;Our political community must acknowledge this,&rdquo; Asif said. &nbsp;&ldquo;Those of us who govern, whether federally or provincially, must on this issue speak with one voice.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;Stand with our armed forces, with the martyrs, and with the veterans.&rdquo; His remarks came a day after 18 security personnel were martyred in two separate attacks in northwestern Pakistan. The defense minister warned that those providing sanctuaries to militants, whether &ldquo;on this side or Afghan soil,&rdquo; will be held accountable. &ldquo;No one should have any doubt: if four, five, ten or fifteen people from a sanctuary attack one of our military convoys, the response will be given,&rdquo; he said, adding that collateral damage would be inevitable. &ldquo;Collateral damage may occur, and everyone will have to bear it. Those sanctuary villages will also pay the price; those who shelter militants will pay the price,&rdquo; Asif emphasized. Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns in regional and international forums about safe havens for militant groups across its western border. At the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s stance, calling on the Afghan interim authorities to take &ldquo;effective action&rdquo; against groups operating from their territory and to ensure Afghan soil is not used for terrorism. A UN Security Council (UNSC) monitoring report released in July also stated that the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continues to train and operate from camps inside Afghanistan. Over the past ten months, Pakistan has lost approximately 621 security personnel in its ongoing war against terrorism, while around 880 militants have been killed in Intelligence-Based Operations (IBOs) conducted nationwide. The proposed delegation&rsquo;s visit to Kabul underscores Pakistan&rsquo;s urgent call for regional cooperation to tackle cross-border terrorism and hold militant sanctuaries accountable, a step aimed at restoring stability and protecting lives on both sides of the border.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif says Islamabad plans to send a delegation to Kabul amid worsening security concerns, urging national unity and warns militant sanctuaries, whether in Pakistan or Afghanistan, will be targeted following recent deadly attacks on security forces


Pakistan to send delegation to Afghanistan, warns militant sanctuaries ‘unbearable’

Reuters

KABUL: Afghanistan&#39;s Taliban foreign minister left for New Delhi on Wednesday, his ministry said, in what would be the first visit to India by a Taliban leader since the group seized power in 2021.&nbsp;The trip highlights Taliban efforts to expand engagement with regional powers in a quest for economic ties and eventual diplomatic recognition. So far, Russia is the only country to have formally recognized the Taliban administration.&nbsp;Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will hold talks with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and other officials on political, economic and trade issues, the Afghan foreign ministry added.&nbsp;Historically, India and Afghanistan had friendly relations but New Delhi shut its embassy in Kabul after the 2021 US withdrawal from the war-shattered country and the return to power of the Taliban.&nbsp;India opened a small mission a year later to facilitate trade, medical support and humanitarian aid.&nbsp;New Delhi does not officially recognize the Taliban government but has taken tentative steps to thaw ties with meetings and talks between senior officials in their respective foreign ministries.&nbsp;Muttaqi&rsquo;s trip was made possible after the UN Security Council Committee temporarily lifted a travel ban on him to allow diplomatic engagements abroad, India&rsquo;s foreign ministry said last week.&nbsp;Discussions during Muttaqi&#39;s trip will centre on bilateral cooperation, trade exchanges, exports of dry fruit, facilities in the health sector, consular services and various ports, the Afghan Taliban foreign ministry said last week.&nbsp;On Tuesday, Muttaqi attended a regional meeting in Moscow where Afghanistan&rsquo;s neighbours, including India, Pakistan, Iran, China and several Central Asian countries issued a joint statement opposing the deployment of foreign military infrastructure in the region.&nbsp;The statement was regarded as a signal of opposition to US President Donald Trump&#39;s stated objective to retake control of the Bagram military base near Kabul.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India for talks with Indian officials on trade and diplomacy, marking the Taliban’s first visit since taking power in 2021.

Taliban foreign minister makes first visit to India to strengthen ties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Special Envoy for Afghanistan Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq met counterparts from China, Iran, Russia, and Afghanistan in Moscow on Tuesday, reaffirming regional support for Afghanistan&rsquo;s stability and urging enhanced cooperation on counterterrorism, the Russian Foreign Office announced.&nbsp;The meeting was held under the 7th Moscow Format Consultation on Afghanistan, hosted by Russia and attended by special representatives and senior officials from Iran, India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan, according to a joint statement issued after the talks.&nbsp;Ambassador Sadiq led the Pakistani delegation, while Afghanistan&rsquo;s interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi represented Kabul, marking the first time the Taliban government formally participated in the Moscow talks.&nbsp;The joint communiqu&eacute; described as &ldquo;unacceptable&rdquo; any attempts by external powers to deploy military infrastructure in Afghanistan, saying such moves were &ldquo;not in the interests of regional peace and stability.&rdquo;&nbsp;All participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Afghanistan as an independent, united, and peaceful state, free from terrorism and foreign interference.&nbsp;Ambassador Sadiq, posting on social media platform X, said the discussions reflected a shared vision for a &ldquo;sovereign and stable Afghanistan that contributes to regional security.&rdquo;&nbsp;The statement emphasized the need for stronger bilateral and multilateral counterterrorism efforts, urging Afghanistan to take &ldquo;concrete and urgent measures&rdquo; to eliminate terrorist groups operating within its borders.&nbsp;&ldquo;The parties underscored that terrorism remains a grave threat to the security of Afghanistan, the region, and the wider world,&rdquo; the communiqu&eacute; said.&nbsp;Delegates expressed concern over the continued presence of designated terrorist organizations including the TTP, BLA, ETIM, Jaish-e-Mohammed, ISIL, and Al-Qaeda, and called for greater coordination to neutralize these threats.&nbsp;Participants also highlighted the importance of integrating Afghanistan into regional trade, investment, and connectivity frameworks, expressing interest in joint projects focused on healthcare, agriculture, poverty alleviation, and disaster management.&nbsp;Reaffirming humanitarian solidarity, the statement urged the international community to increase emergency assistance for the Afghan people and to fulfill commitments toward Afghanistan&rsquo;s economic recovery and development, particularly by nations &ldquo;responsible for the country&rsquo;s current predicament.&rdquo;

Regional envoys meeting in Moscow urged joint action against terrorism and pledged continued humanitarian and economic support for Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for regional stability, integration, and the prevention of extremist groups operating from Afghan territory.

Pakistan, regional partners call for stronger counterterrorism, support for Afghanistan

NEW DELHI/KABUL: The UN Security Council Committee has temporarily lifted a travel ban on the Afghan Taliban foreign minister, which would allow him to visit India between October 9 and 16, India&#39;s foreign ministry said on Friday.&nbsp;If confirmed, it would be the first visit to India by a senior leader of the Taliban-run Afghan administration since it seized power in 2021 after 20 years of US military presence. Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is among Afghan Taliban members who are under UN sanctions including a travel ban and asset freeze.&nbsp; Temporary exemptions are sometimes granted for diplomacy. The Afghan administration did not immediately respond to inquiries about Muttaqi&#39;s travel plans.&nbsp;India&#39;s foreign ministry spokesperson told reporters that New Delhi had already been speaking to the Afghan administration, and noted that it had provided support after an earthquake on August 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;He did not specifically confirm that the visit would take place.&nbsp;Indian and Afghan media have reported that Muttaqi will travel to Russia before visiting New Delhi.&nbsp;In Moscow, he is expected to discuss the situation in Afghanistan with representatives from Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Central Asian countries, the reports say.&nbsp;Hekmatullah Hekmat, an Afghan political analyst, said the visit to India was highly significant for the Taliban government:&nbsp;&quot;Afghanistan is in dire need of establishing relations with regional countries, especially its neighbors.&nbsp;It needs to build political, economic, and trade ties and to gain recognition.&quot;&nbsp;Only Russia has so far recognized the Taliban government.&nbsp; India closed its embassy in Kabul in 2021, but a year later opened a technical mission to coordinate humanitarian assistance.

The UN has temporarily lifted a travel ban on Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, potentially allowing his first visit to India since 2021, signaling diplomatic engagement amid Afghanistan’s push for regional ties and recognition.

Articles tagged with "Afghanistan"

New Delhi’s Chabahar ambitions face hurdles amid Afghan FM’s India visit

Afghanistan urges Pakistan to halt ‘heavy counteraction’: security sources

Pakistan raises concerns over India-Afghanistan statement, rejects Afghan minister’s remarks

Pakistan respects Afghan sovereignty but warns against threats from Afghan soil

Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad launches direct flights to Kabul

Healing without borders: Afghan patients find lifeline in Pakistan

Pakistan to send delegation to Afghanistan, warns militant sanctuaries ‘unbearable’

Taliban foreign minister makes first visit to India to strengthen ties

Pakistan, regional partners call for stronger counterterrorism, support for Afghanistan

India set to receive first Afghan Taliban minister

Afghanistan urges Pakistan to halt ‘heavy counteraction’: security sources