By Naveed Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: Taliban Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, Maulvi Abdul Kabir, assured that Afghan soil would not be a threat to any country during a meeting with Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Samiul Haq (JUI-S), in Kabul. The discussion took place amid a visit by a delegation of Pakistani religious scholars to Afghanistan, aiming to foster bilateral relations through “religious diplomacy.”
Maulvi Abdul Kabir met with Maulana Hamidul Haq, leading a delegation of Pakistani religious scholars on a five-day visit to Afghanistan.
The visit, part of “religious diplomacy,” aimed to strengthen ties between the two countries, which was positively received by Afghan officials.
Kabir emphasized the pivotal role of scholars in improving bilateral relations and reiterated the Taliban’s commitment to maintaining peace and preventing any subversive activities from Afghan territory.
Discussions during the meeting covered various aspects, including political, economic, and security cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Former ambassador Mansoor Ahmad Khan expressed optimism that such visits could soften differences and pave the way for constructive dialogue on security, trade, and movement of people between the two countries.
The visit comes at a time when relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have faced challenges due to cross-border terrorist activities, predominantly claimed by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Islamabad has accused the TTP and other groups of using Afghan soil against Pakistan, leading to strained relations between the two countries.
The Pakistani delegation’s visit holds significance in addressing the challenges in Islamabad-Kabul ties, particularly regarding cross-border terrorism.
Recent efforts, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s visit to Afghanistan in January and ongoing diplomatic exchanges, aim to improve relations and address mutual concerns.
The meeting between Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Maulvi Abdul Kabir and the Pakistani delegation underscores efforts to enhance bilateral relations and address mutual concerns, particularly regarding cross-border terrorism. Optimism remains high that constructive dialogue and cooperation will pave the way for improved political, economic, and security ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
