Pakistan and Afghanistan Forge Deeper Ties Amid Trade & Security Tensions – What’s Next?

Pakistan & Afghanistan Strengthen Diplomatic Relations Amid Rising Challenges

Islamabad and Kabul have pledged to deepen diplomatic engagement and resolve long-standing issues related to trade, security, and the status of Afghan refugees. The renewed commitment emerged from a high-stakes meeting between Pakistan’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Kabul.

Key Takeaways from the High-Level Meeting

✔ Commitment to Diplomatic Engagement: Both sides emphasized sustained discussions and high-level meetings to tackle unresolved disputes. ✔ Reopening of Trade Routes: The reopening of the Torkham border after a 27-day closure was a critical point of discussion. ✔ Security & Counterterrorism Cooperation: Pakistan reiterated its stance on regional stability and cooperation in tackling militancy. ✔ Afghan Refugee Crisis: Pakistan’s deadline for Afghan refugees to leave by March 31, 2025, was a major topic, with calls for a dignified repatriation process. ✔ Visa Facilitation for Afghans: Pakistan has promised to streamline visa processes to support Afghan nationals.

Trade and Transit: A Contentious Yet Crucial Issue

Trade relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been tumultuous due to border closures, security concerns, and policy disagreements. The Torkham border, a crucial trade route, was shut down for nearly a month due to a dispute over construction activities but has now reopened under a temporary arrangement.

Kabul has urged Islamabad not to link trade restrictions with other disputes. "Obstacles to transit routes and trade are not in the interest of either side," stated Foreign Minister Muttaqi. Pakistan has acknowledged the issue and pledged to take concrete steps to resolve it before the current trade agreement expires on April 15, 2025.

Security Concerns & Cross-Border Stability

Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concerns about security threats emanating from Afghanistan, particularly regarding militant activities. Both nations agreed to strengthen counterterrorism efforts to ensure regional peace.

Ambassador Sadiq reaffirmed that Pakistan considers Afghanistan’s security integral to the stability of the region. However, Islamabad has urged Kabul to take decisive action against extremist factions operating along their shared border.

Afghan Refugees in Pakistan: A Looming Deadline

With an estimated 3.1 million Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan, the issue has been a flashpoint in bilateral relations. The breakdown of this population includes:

• 1.35 million registered refugees under the UNHCR.
• 600,000+ arrivals post-Taliban takeover in 2021.
• Hundreds of thousands of undocumented Afghan nationals.

Pakistan has issued a March 31, 2025 deadline for unregistered Afghan refugees to leave voluntarily. Those holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACCs) will also need to exit, while Proof of Registration (PoR) cardholders are allowed to stay until June 30, 2025, though those in Islamabad and Rawalpindi will be relocated.

Muttaqi urged Pakistan to ensure a "gradual and dignified" return process instead of mass deportations, a plea that Islamabad has yet to officially respond to.

Pakistan’s Strategic Approach: Dialogue Over Isolation

Despite security concerns, Islamabad is maintaining diplomatic engagement with the Taliban-led Afghan government. Ambassador Sadiq’s visit signals Pakistan’s strategic interest in fostering stronger ties and avoiding isolationist policies toward its neighbor.

With further negotiations on trade, security, and refugee policies expected, the coming weeks will determine whether both nations can find common ground or continue to grapple with recurring tensions.

FAQs

1. What was the main agenda of the Pakistan-Afghanistan meeting?

The meeting focused on diplomatic relations, trade facilitation, security concerns, and the status of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

2. Why was the Torkham border closed?

The border was shut due to a dispute over construction activities but has now reopened under a temporary arrangement.

3. What is Pakistan’s deadline for Afghan refugees?

Pakistan has set March 31, 2025, as the deadline for Afghan Citizen Card holders and undocumented refugees to leave.

4. How many Afghan refugees are currently in Pakistan?

There are an estimated 3.1 million Afghan refugees, including 1.35 million registered under the UNHCR.

5. What is Pakistan’s stance on trade with Afghanistan?

Pakistan supports trade but insists that transit routes should not be linked to other disputes. Ongoing negotiations aim to stabilize trade relations.

6. Will Afghan refugees be deported?

Pakistan plans to begin mass deportations after March 31 for unregistered refugees, though discussions on a dignified return are ongoing.

7. How does this meeting impact Pakistan-Afghanistan security?

Both sides agreed to collaborate on counterterrorism efforts, though Pakistan continues to press for more action from Kabul.

8. What is the Taliban government’s response to Pakistan’s refugee policy?

Afghanistan has urged Pakistan to allow a gradual and dignified return rather than forced deportations.

9. Are there any long-term trade agreements in place?

The current trade arrangement is temporary and expires on April 15, 2025, with negotiations ongoing for a permanent deal.

10. How does this affect regional stability?

Stronger Pakistan-Afghanistan ties are crucial for regional stability, but unresolved security concerns and refugee issues remain challenges.