Ensuring a Secure Afghanistan is Vital for Advancing CPEC and Strengthening Trade Cooperation: Sohail Mahmood, Director-General of ISSI
Former Pakistani Foreign Secretary, Sohail Mahmood, who currently leads the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), emphasized the paramount importance of a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan in a recent lecture at Kabul's Institute of Diplomacy of the Afghan Foreign Office, where he discussed Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.
He highlighted the unique bond between Pakistan and Afghanistan, rooted in geographical proximity, shared faith, intertwined history, ethnic ties, and cultural affinities. Mahmood stressed that these ties necessitate positive engagement between the two nations.
P.c. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
In his address, Mahmood called for a solid foundation for bilateral relations, focusing on security concerns, enhancing economic partnerships, and advancing regional connectivity. He emphasized Pakistan's role in stabilizing Afghanistan and the urgency of addressing border security and counter-terrorism through close consultation and collaboration.
During this visit, the delegation, which included Ms. Amina Khan of ISSI's Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East, and Africa (CAMEA), held meetings with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Waliullah Shaheen, Director General of the Centre for Strategic Studies (CSS). Pakistan's Chargé D’affaires in Kabul, Obaid ur Rehman Nizamani, was also part of these discussions.
Muttaqi underscored the strong ties between the two countries, rooted in shared faith, culture, and geography. He briefed the delegation on the interim government's progress in ensuring security, economic improvement, poppy cultivation control, and addressing corruption. He also highlighted increased trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan and the importance of regional trade and connectivity.
Muttaqi stressed the need for strengthened bilateral dialogue on mutual concerns, while Ambassador Sohail Mahmood reviewed developments in Afghanistan during the two years of the interim government, particularly in the areas of security, economy, anti-corruption efforts, and reduced poppy cultivation. He also noted positive trends in bilateral trade.
Waliullah Shaheen, DG CSS, emphasized the significance of the Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship and advocated for a new narrative centered on "friendship and mutual understanding" to navigate the intricacies of these intertwined ties.
Mahmood also highlighted key developments in post-August 2021 Afghanistan, including relative peace, persistent attacks from Daesh/ISKP, increased revenue generation for the Afghan government, expanded trade, reduced poppy cultivation, and anti-corruption efforts.