Pakistan, Afghanistan Eye Reset With Joint Push On Terror, Border Security And Trade

In a significant diplomatic overture, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to bolster cooperation on counter-terrorism and border security following a surprise visit to Kabul by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on July 20.

This visit marks a potential shift in bilateral ties that have been strained by cross-border attacks, refugee issues, and the growing threat posed by terrorist networks like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

What did Pakistan and Afghanistan discuss at the meeting?

Naqvi’s meeting with Afghanistan’s influential Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani comes at a time of heightened regional insecurity, especially in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

These areas have seen a resurgence of militant activity, much of it allegedly traced to groups operating from Afghan soil. Addressing this, both ministers pledged to clamp down on terrorist elements and enhance border surveillance along the 2,600-km porous frontier.

The inclusion of discussions on drug trafficking and illegal crossings also signals a more holistic approach to border management.

Significantly, Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s enduring hospitality toward Afghan refugees, while stressing the need for regulated migration. His message — that legal pathways remain open but undocumented individuals must return voluntarily — reflects Islamabad’s attempt to balance humanitarian concerns with national security imperatives.

This is especially pertinent as Pakistan intensifies its campaign to repatriate illegal Afghan residents amid growing domestic pressure.

What does the Pakistan-Afghanistan thaw in ties mean for the region?

The optics of the visit were carefully choreographed, with high-level Afghan officials, including Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Nabi Omari, welcoming Naqvi at the airport. Pakistan’s envoy to Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, and Interior Secretary Khurram Agha were also part of the delegation, underlining the importance Islamabad attaches to the reset in ties.

The timing of this engagement is notable. Just days prior, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan signed a railway agreement to connect Central Asia with Pakistani seaports via Afghan territory.

This project is being seen as a strategic initiative that goes beyond infrastructure. It represents economic interdependence as a potential pathway to stability.

Moreover, the recent initiation of Additional Secretary-Level talks between Islamabad and Kabul aims to institutionalise diplomatic dialogue, ensuring consistent communication even during times of political tension.

What does the future hold for Pakistan-Afghanistan relations?

While the latest overtures are promising, skepticism remains. The Taliban’s repeated assurances not to allow Afghan soil to be used for cross-border terrorism have not always translated into action.

However, with both countries facing common threats and shared economic interests, the incentive to cooperate has never been stronger. Whether this momentum can be sustained depends on how sincerely both sides implement their pledges: not just in statements, but on the ground.