Islamabad, Pakistan – July 8, 2025 – Pakistan and Afghanistan on Monday concurred on mutual efforts to bolster the legal movement of individuals across their shared borders. This agreement was a key outcome of the inaugural round of the additional secretary-level mechanism between the foreign ministries of both countries, held in Islamabad.
The bilateral discussions were a follow-up to decisions made during Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar’s visit to Afghanistan on April 19. The Pakistani delegation was led by Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani, Additional Secretary (Afghanistan & West Asia), while the Afghan side was headed by Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, Director General of the First Political Division at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Discussions during the meeting covered crucial areas of bilateral interest, including trade and transit cooperation, security, and connectivity. Both nations collectively recognized terrorism as a serious threat to regional peace and security. The Pakistani side specifically underscored the necessity for concrete actions against terrorist groups operating on Afghan soil, emphasizing that such groups undermine Pakistan’s security and impede regional development.
The two sides engaged in an exchange of views aimed at deepening their trade and transit cooperation. They reviewed the progress on measures announced during DPM Dar’s visit to Kabul, designed to facilitate Afghan transit trade. These measures include the removal of a 10% processing fee, provision of an insurance guarantee, reduction in scanning and examination procedures, and the operationalization of the track and trace system.
Both delegations highlighted the significance of enhanced regional connectivity as a catalyst for sustainable growth and shared prosperity. Recognizing the strategic importance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway project, they committed to concerted efforts towards the early finalization of its framework agreement.
Discussions also encompassed matters related to the repatriation of Afghan nationals. The Pakistani side provided an overview of its initiatives to facilitate documented travel from Afghanistan, notably reporting the issuance of over 500,000 visas across various categories (medical, tourist, business, study) since January 2024.
Both Pakistan and Afghanistan reaffirmed their dedication to sustained engagement to address mutual challenges. They acknowledged that lasting security is fundamental for optimal regional development and for the continued advancement of their bilateral relations. The next round of these additional-secretary level talks is scheduled to be convened at mutually convenient dates.
