Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to intensify efforts toward the early finalization of the Framework Agreement for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway project. This key issue, along with other bilateral matters, was discussed during official talks held in the Pakistani capital.

The inaugural round of the Additional Secretary-Level Mechanism between the Foreign Ministries of Pakistan and Afghanistan was convened in Islamabad, pursuant to decisions reached during the visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to Kabul on April 19, 2025.

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions focused on major areas of bilateral interest, including trade and transit cooperation, security, and connectivity. Both sides acknowledged terrorism as a serious threat to regional peace and security. The Pakistani delegation emphasized the need for concrete measures against terrorist groups operating on Afghan territory, stating that such groups undermine Pakistan’s security and obstruct regional development.

The two sides exchanged views on deepening trade and transit cooperation. They reviewed the implementation status of measures announced during the Pakistani Foreign Minister’s earlier visit to Kabul, which aimed to facilitate Afghan transit trade. These included the removal of a 10% processing fee, provision of insurance guarantees, reduction in scanning and inspection procedures, and the operationalization of a track and trace system.

Both parties underscored the importance of enhanced regional connectivity as a catalyst for sustainable development and shared prosperity. Highlighting the strategic relevance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway, they agreed to work toward the early conclusion of the Framework Agreement.

The discussions also covered issues related to the repatriation of Afghan nationals. The Pakistani side provided an overview of its efforts to facilitate documented travel from Afghanistan, noting the issuance of over 500,000 visas since January 2024 across various categories, including medical, tourism, business, and study. Both sides agreed to collaborate in further strengthening legal cross-border movement.

Reaffirming their commitment to continued engagement, both sides stressed the importance of lasting security as a cornerstone for the region’s development and for the further advancement of bilateral relations. The Pakistani delegation was led by Additional Secretary (Afghanistan & West Asia), Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani, while the Afghan side was headed by Director General of the First Political Division at the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor.

At the conclusion of the first round of Pakistan-Afghan political consultations, Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor also met with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary, Amna Baloch. During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary emphasized the importance of regular dialogue to deepen bilateral ties, address mutual concerns, and promote regional peace and prosperity.