Ahmed Mukhtar Naqshbandi
ISLAMABAD/KABUL: Pakistan’s defense minister and spy chief on Wednesday met top officials of Afghanistan’s Taliban government in Kabul and discussed bilateral relations and security situation, particularly border crossing points.
The meeting took place days after the main border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was closed as Pakistan faces a growing security threat.
Afghan authorities closed the crossing at Torkham on Sunday after differences with Pakistan over trade transport and Afghan patients going to the neighboring country for treatment.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, and Defense Minister Mullah Mohammed Yaqoob held talks with the high-level Pakistani delegation in the Afghan capital on Wednesday.
“The two sides discussed ground issues, particularly the border crossing points between the two neighbouring countries,” the Taliban spokesman told Arab News.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Federal Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammed Asif and Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum.
Political and economic relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Taliban spokesman said that the Pakistani delegation was assured that no one would create a threat to Pakistan and the Pakistani side should too give attention to Afghan security until the political and economic relations between the two countries can be strengthened.
In a statement, Abdul Ghani Baradar said Pakistan and Afghanistan “are neighbours and should get along well.”
“Political and security concerns should not affect economic or business matters,” his statement read.
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The Taliban authorities also demanded the release of Afghans detained in Pakistan and urged them to facilitate passengers and patients crossing at Spin Boldak and Torkham during the meeting. Assurances were given that the Pakistani side would work on the border issues.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that discussions touched on “security-related issues including counter-terrorism measures.”
