Kabul Message
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that during his visit to Kabul he made it clear to Afghan leadership that Afghanistan must not allow its soil to be used against Pakistan. He emphasized that the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) should either be handed over to Pakistan or relocated far away.
Press Conference in Islamabad
Speaking at a news conference in Islamabad, Dar explained that during his recent Russia visit, the Foreign Ministry had already sent letters to Russian authorities, which led to separate bilateral meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk. Several Russian ministers also joined the discussions.
Engagement with European Union
Dar highlighted that after many years, a Pakistani leader met with the President of the European Union. Since 2021, Pakistan‑EU talks had been stalled for five years. He described the meeting with EU representatives as highly important, conducted in a cordial and informal atmosphere. He said the visit helped bridge gaps in Pakistan’s engagement with the EU, with the seventh strategic dialogue proving particularly significant.
Strategic Dialogue Topics
According to Dar, discussions with the EU covered all areas of relations including trade, economic affairs, GSP Plus, Afghanistan, security, India, and other matters. He stressed that Pakistan openly raised concerns about cross‑border attacks from Afghanistan. He recalled that after the Pahalgam incident and the Pakistan‑India war, multiple contacts had taken place between the two sides.
Afghanistan Visit
Dar further noted that he personally visited Afghanistan and held talks with Afghan leadership on all key issues. He said that decisions and commitments made in Kabul were presented transparently before the international community.
Final Statement
Reiterating his position, Ishaq Dar said:
“I made it clear in Kabul that Afghanistan must not allow its soil to be used against Pakistan. Either the TTP should be handed over to us, or taken far away.”