Prime Minister meets with Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan; Emphasis on resolving disputes and concerns about deportation of migrants

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA): Afghanistan's Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and his delegation at the Gulkhana Palace on an official visit to Kabul this morning.

 

According to a statement issued by Deputy Spokesman Hamidullah Fitrat, the meeting, which was also attended by Maulvi Amir Khan Mottaki (Acting Foreign Minister), Mullah Abdul Wase (Head of the Prime Minister's Office) and Maulvi Sardar Ahmad Shakib (Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan), He stressed the political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries.

 

Concerns over deportation of migrants and blockade of Torkham border

According to the statement, the prime minister referred to the forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan as "unacceptable" and said: "The wrong treatment of Afghan refugees not only creates distance, but also distorts past relations." He called on Islamabad to facilitate the dignified return of migrants and refrain from unilateral action.

 

The prime minister also pointed to the closure of the Torkham gate on the Durand Line and said, "The development of economic relations is in the interest of both countries and factors that weaken relations should be avoided."

 

On the other hand, Mohammad Ishaqdar expressed his satisfaction with the visit to Kabul, saying the aim of the visit was to strengthen economic and political relations with Afghanistan. He announced that Pakistan would remove 10% tax on exports to Afghanistan and would take other measures to boost bilateral trade.

 

The deputy prime minister also stressed Islamabad's commitment to return Afghan refugees "with dignity", but added: "Pakistan's security concerns must also be addressed."