Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to strictly prevent their territories from being used for hostile acts against each other, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Saturday during a press conference in Kabul.
Key decisions from Dar’s one-day visit include launching a track-and-trace system by June 30 to speed up cross-border trade. Both nations will also hold regular trade exhibitions and exchange delegations to boost economic ties.
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Pakistan will accept higher-level insurance guarantees for Afghan transit goods and start a pilot project from June 30 allowing cross-stuffing (transferring goods between containers) for 500 containers monthly to reduce trade costs. The Torkham border’s Integrated Transit Trade Management System (ITTMS) will also go live by June 30.
On Afghan refugees, Dar stressed Pakistan ensures their repatriation is conducted “with dignity and respect.” He invited Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan, calling it his “second home,” and emphasized regular dialogue to strengthen bilateral relations.
