By. Muhammad Irfan Siddiqui
In a landmark diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has successfully persuaded the Afghan government to formally commit to preventing the use of its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan. This major development came during Dar’s recent visit to Kabul, where he led a high-level delegation for talks with senior Taliban leadership.
According to official sources, the Afghan government has agreed to take concrete measures against Pakistani Taliban factions currently residing in Afghanistan, particularly those involved in planning or orchestrating attacks across the border. The discussions focused on regional security, cross-border militancy, and bilateral cooperation — and ended with what analysts are calling one of the most significant diplomatic wins for Islamabad in recent years.
A Diplomatic Milestone
During his two-day visit, Ishaq Dar engaged in a series of intensive meetings with top Afghan officials, including Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and high-ranking intelligence and defense representatives. Sources close to the negotiations revealed that Dar adopted a firm yet diplomatic tone, emphasizing Pakistan’s red lines and reiterating that continued cross-border terrorism could seriously damage bilateral ties.
“The message was clear: Pakistan will not tolerate the use of Afghan soil by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or any other hostile entity. Dar sahib conveyed this stance unequivocally and with great diplomatic finesse,” said a senior Pakistani official present in the meeting.
In response, Afghan authorities agreed not only to increase border surveillance but also to apprehend key Pakistani Taliban elements known to be operating from Afghan territory. This includes individuals responsible for recent attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Afghanistan’s Formal Assurances
Most notably, the Afghan Taliban government, in a rare public statement, assured that they “recognize Pakistan’s concerns” and have no intention of allowing their land to be used against a neighboring Islamic country. While the Taliban government stopped short of naming specific groups, their statement marked a significant tonal shift from previous positions, where such cross-border actions were often downplayed or ignored.
“This is a positive step. We believe that such cooperation is crucial for long-term peace in the region,” the statement read.
The Afghan side also expressed willingness to set up a joint security mechanism with Pakistan to track, monitor, and neutralize terrorist threats in real time.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Strategy Pays Off
Observers are lauding Ishaq Dar’s negotiating strategy, describing it as a blend of economic leverage, security concerns, and shared cultural ties. Unlike traditional security-led delegations, Dar’s presence symbolized a broader diplomatic approach — one that combines foreign policy acumen with long-term strategic vision.
“This wasn’t just about stopping a few attacks. It was about reshaping the rules of engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” said Dr. Huma Baqai, an expert in regional affairs. “Ishaq Dar’s role in achieving this level of understanding cannot be overstated. It’s a historic moment.”
Dar also reportedly offered humanitarian aid and trade incentives to the Afghan government as part of a wider package to build mutual trust and cooperation, though official details remain confidential.
Impact on Pakistan’s Internal Security
The implications of this agreement could be far-reaching for Pakistan, which has faced a surge in terrorist attacks over the past year. Many of these incidents have been traced back to TTP elements operating from safe havens across the border in Afghanistan.
If Afghan authorities follow through on their commitments — especially in detaining key TTP figures and halting cross-border infiltration — Pakistan could see a noticeable reduction in terrorism within its borders in the coming months.
Already, intelligence reports suggest that some TTP operatives have gone underground, fearing imminent arrest. This development, if sustained, could significantly improve the security landscape in Pakistan’s tribal regions and beyond.
A Victory for Diplomacy
Ishaq Dar’s successful mission is being celebrated in political and military circles alike. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the outcome, calling it a “victory for diplomacy, patience, and principled negotiation.”
Social media has also erupted in praise, with hashtags like #DarDiplomacy, #PakistanSecuresPeace, and #AfghanAssurance trending on Twitter.
This diplomatic win comes at a crucial time for Pakistan, as the country prepares for an ambitious economic recovery plan and seeks regional stability to attract foreign investment.
Looking Ahead
While the agreement marks a hopeful beginning, experts caution that implementation will be key. Trust between the two nations remains fragile, and spoilers — both internal and external — may try to derail the process.
Still, for now, Pakistan has every reason to celebrate. After years of strained ties, this agreement could mark the start of a more secure, stable, and cooperative era between Islamabad and Kabul.
And at the center of it all stands Ishaq Dar — not just as a finance expert or foreign minister, but as a statesman who, through wisdom and will, turned dialogue into deliverance.
