Overview of the Visit
On April 19, 2025, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, embarked on a significant diplomatic mission to Kabul. This visit, marking his first high-level engagement with the Taliban-led Afghan government since their 2021 takeover, aims to address pressing bilateral issues, including the ongoing repatriation of Afghan nationals from Pakistan.
Key Objectives of the Visit
Bilateral Cooperation: Dar seeks to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest, emphasizing the importance of sustained dialogue to address shared concerns.
Afghan Repatriation: With over 80,000 Afghans returning since April 1, following the expiration of a voluntary return deadline, discussions will focus on managing the repatriation process humanely and efficiently.
Security Concerns: Addressing the use of Afghan soil by terrorist groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), remains a priority. Pakistan urges Kabul to prevent its territory from being used for cross-border terrorism.
Repatriation Efforts and Challenges
Since October 2023, Pakistan has intensified efforts to repatriate undocumented Afghans, with over 900,000 individuals returning to Afghanistan. While the campaign targets all illegal immigrants, it has strained relations with the Taliban-led government, which has urged Islamabad to treat Afghan nationals with respect.
Afghans with U.N. refugee status are allowed to stay until June, while those applying for resettlement in third countries must do so by April 30, unless granted individual extensions.
International and Humanitarian Perspectives
International organizations, including the United Nations and Human Rights Watch, have expressed concerns over Pakistan’s deportation campaign. They emphasize that many Afghans, especially those who fled after the Taliban’s return to power, are at risk if deported.
Pakistan maintains that the deportation drive targets all illegal immigrants, not just Afghans, and asserts that the campaign is necessary to regulate illegal immigration and maintain national security.
Future Prospects
Dar’s visit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to fostering a stable and cooperative relationship with Afghanistan. By addressing mutual concerns through dialogue, both nations aim to enhance regional security and economic development. The outcomes of this visit are expected to influence the trajectory of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations in the coming months.
