Tehran- IRAF- citing The Express Tribune (Thursday, February 5), as political and security tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan persist, knowledgeable sources said that Sirajul‑Haq has arrived in Kabul for several high‑level meetings with senior Afghan officials.
The purpose of the visit is described as reviewing Islamabad’s security concerns and seeking solutions to issues related to border trade and crossings.
Sources said that several rounds of negotiations have taken place between the two sides in recent months, but these talks have failed to produce results due to fundamental disagreements.
The Taliban have demanded guarantees that Pakistan will refrain from violating Afghan airspace and from unilaterally closing border crossings, while Islamabad has insisted on concrete action by Kabul against the banned Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Despite official denials from both sides, signs point to the continuation of quiet, behind‑the‑scenes diplomacy, and Siraj‑ul‑Haq’s presence in Kabul is being viewed within this context.
Informed sources told The Express Tribune that, in the initial phase, economic and border issues are at the top of the agenda, after which Pakistan’s security concerns will be raised.
They also noted that Jamaat‑e‑Islami has previously played a role in reducing tensions between the two sides. According to the sources, the party has participated in multi‑layered jirgas involving tribal elders, political figures from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other influential personalities.
It was further pointed out that Mohammad Ali Saif—a former member of Jamaat‑e‑Islami—had previously conducted successful talks with Kabul regarding the Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan.
These efforts represent the first diplomatic steps following last year’s border clashes, which led to a complete halt in cross‑border interactions and a sharp rise in tensions between the two countries.
The sources emphasized: “Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban must resolve their problems without the involvement of any external party. Both sides should sit face to face and engage in transparent dialogue on security and trade issues.”
