ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday announced a joint understanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan not to allow their soil to be used against each other while addressing a news conference toward the end of his day-long visit to Kabul.
Dar’s visit to the neighboring country came amid surging militancy in Pakistan, which Islamabad blames on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant factions. Pakistan has frequently accused the Afghan Taliban in the past of providing these armed groups sanctuaries and facilitating their cross-border attacks, allegations that Kabul has repeatedly denied.
The deputy prime minister’s visit to Kabul also took place at a time when Pakistan has intensified its campaign to deport “illegal immigrants,” mostly Afghan nationals, which it blames for being involved in suicide attacks and militancy in the country.
The deportation drive has further soured ties between the two nations, prompting the Afghan authorities to express “deep concern” their forced repatriation during Dar’s trip to Kabul.
“We have requested our hosts that we must work together for the development of this region, for its betterment and for establishing peace and stability here,” the deputy prime minister said while addressing the news conference. “For that, we will not allow our land or our soil to be used by anyone for any wrongful activity inside Afghanistan, and we kindly request you to do the same.”
“Both countries must strictly deal with such elements,” he continued. “Neither side should allow its territory to be used for any activity against the other, whether it concerns security or terrorism.”
Dar added in case of any militant violence, both countries “will be responsible to take firm action against such elements within our respective countries and stop them.”
The deputy prime minister also announced a number of measures aimed at facilitating Afghan transit trade, saying they would be implemented by June 30. “Exchange of trade delegations between the two countries is also vital at this stage to increase bilateral trade and ensure mutual prosperity,” he said.
Addressing Afghan concerns over the deportation, he noted Pakistan was trying to ensure that those being sent back were treated with “respect and dignity.”
He said the interior ministry would issue a notification within 48 hours providing phone numbers, WhatsApp contacts and an email address to register any complaints from Afghan nationals returning to their country.
Denying any instructions to block the sale of property by Afghans, he said that those returning to Afghanistan were also allowed to take their personal belongings back with them.
Earlier in the day, before departing for Kabul, Dar acknowledged recent “coldness” in bilateral ties but said security remained a priority.
“I believe the security of Pakistan, its people, their lives and properties, is very important,” he told state-run Pakistan Television. “So one of our concerns is regarding terrorism, which we will discuss.”
During the visit, he met with senior Afghan officials, including acting Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
According to Pakistan’s foreign office, the discussions focused on security, trade, transit and regional connectivity, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining high-level engagement and enhancing people-to-people contact.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb left for the United States on Saturday to attend the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings 2025, the finance ministry said.
Leading finance ministers and officials of the World Bank and the IMF will gather in Washington D.C. to attend the spring meetings from Apr. 21-26.
Aurangzeb will meet with top officials of the World Bank and IMF, and interact with the finance ministers from China, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, the finance ministry said. 
“The Finance Minister will clarify the country’s economic scenario while addressing investment forums and seminars during the visit,” the statement said.
Aurangzeb will meet officials of the US State and Treasury Departments as well as those from global credit rating agencies, commercial and investment banks.
“During the visit, the Finance Minister will attend the 13th Ministerial Meeting of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action,” the ministry said.
Aurangzeb will address a roundtable discussion with institutional investors organized by Jefferies International, titled: ‘Pakistan’s Economic Outlook, Recent Fiscal and Monetary Developments and Progress on Reforms and Engagement with the IMF.’
The finance minister will also address a session organized by the Center for Global Development (CGD) on ongoing reforms in Pakistan and future challenges that the country faces. 
Aurangzeb will meet Garji Ghosh, the president of the Global Policy and Advocacy Division, Gates Foundation and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. 
“Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will visit leading think tanks in the US,” the ministry said, adding that he will also meet international and US media representatives. 
Aurangzeb’s visit takes place as Pakistan tries to recover from a prolonged macroeconomic crisis via financial reforms mandated by the IMF. 
The IMF staff reached a deal with Pakistan for a new $1.3 billion arrangement last month and also agreed on the first review of the ongoing 37-month bailout program. Pending board approval, Pakistan can unlock the $1.3 billion under a new climate resilience loan program spanning 28 months. 
The IMF will also release $1 billion for Pakistan under its $7 billion bailout program, which would bring those disbursements to $2 billion.