Ishaq Dar Leads Talks on Afghan Repatriation
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's visit to Kabul on April 19, 2025, marked a significant step towards strengthening relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with both sides agreeing to continue dialogue to resolve bilateral issues and maintain high-level engagement. The talks have paved the way for increased cooperation on security, trade, and transit cooperation, with a focus on addressing the concerns of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have held high-level talks on the repatriation of Afghan nationals, with Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry emphasizing the importance of the "One Document Regime" to ensure that only documented individuals remain in the country. The talks, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and deepen cooperation between the two countries.
The Afghan delegation, led by Acting Minister for Commerce and Industry Haji Nooruddin Azizi, met with Pakistani officials to discuss cross-border transit trade and the repatriation of Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan. Pakistan has established over 50 transit camps with medical and essential facilities to support repatriation, with complaint cells operating to prevent incidents. Afghan nationals holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards will not face difficulties until June 30, 2025, Chaudhry assured.
The talks come amid concerns over the forced deportation of tens of thousands of Afghans since April. Afghanistan's foreign minister expressed "deep concern and disappointment" to his Pakistani counterpart over the issue. Pakistan has launched a campaign to evict over 800,000 Afghans by the end of the month, including some born in Pakistan or living there for decades. Analysts say the move is a politically motivated strategy to pressure Afghanistan's Taliban government over security concerns.
The Pakistani government has warned thousands more awaiting relocation to other countries to leave by the end of April. Millions of Afghans have fled to Pakistan to escape successive wars, but tensions have risen due to Pakistan's economic and security concerns. The two countries have agreed to establish joint committees to follow up on issues and find effective ways to resolve them, with Dar emphasizing the importance of addressing security and border management issues to realize the potential for regional trade and connectivity.