April 16–18
From April 16 to 18, a high-level Afghan delegation led by His Excellency Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan, visited Islamabad.
At the outset of the visit, the delegation attended a meeting hosted by the Afghan Embassy with representatives of Afghan refugees and businesspersons. The delegation held direct discussions with the participants and delivered remarks. The program concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which several refugees and entrepreneurs shared their concerns and suggestions with the Honorable Minister of Industry and Commerce and the Honorable Deputy Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, Sheikh Kaleem-ur-Rahman Fani.
Acting Afghan Ambassador H.E. Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb in his opening remarks, welcomed the delegation and the representatives of refugees and the business community. He emphasized that high-level exchanges between Afghanistan and Pakistan can strengthen bilateral relations and help resolve existing challenges.
In his remarks, Minister Azizi highlighted the Afghan government’s commitment to providing necessary facilities for refugees, facilitating their voluntary return, improving the conditions for new returnees, and addressing related matters. He also noted that a special commission has been appointed to support returning traders and industrialists. Minister Azizi further stressed the importance of bilateral dialogue to address the challenges concerning refugees and other bilateral issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Deputy Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, Sheikh Kaleem-ur-Rahman Fani, assured the refugees and businesspersons that their concerns are shared by the Afghan government. He reaffirmed the government’s full preparedness to assist in their dignified return and pledged all possible efforts in this regard. Mr. Fani also urged the Government of Pakistan to proceed through mutual understanding rather than unilateral decisions concerning Afghan refugees.
April 17
On April 17, the Afghan delegation held a meeting with the Pakistani delegation led by the Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, H.E. Jam Kamal Khan.
The discussions covered a wide range of topics including bilateral trade, transit cooperation, existing challenges, and potential solutions. Technical meetings were also held between the two sides’ technical teams to delve deeper into outstanding issues and identify practical measures to boost bilateral trade.
Additionally, Deputy Minister Fani raised the current situation of Afghan refugees, including concerns regarding forced deportations. He expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s over four decades of generous hospitality to Afghan refugees, emphasizing that forced returns should not undermine this longstanding goodwill. He urged that the repatriation process be gradual and carried out with dignity.
Later that afternoon, the delegation led by Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, H.E. Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
Both sides discussed the expansion of bilateral relations, the dignified return of Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan, enhancement of trade, and facilitation of the transit process. The Afghan delegation underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation to improve economic conditions and called for further trade and transit facilitation. Both parties also stressed the need to address the existing challenges in these sectors.
Subsequently, Minister Azizi met with representatives of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Pakistani private sector.
April 18
On April 18, the Afghan delegation led by Minister Azizi held meetings with Pakistan’s Additional Secretary of Interior, Mr. Muhammad Khurram Agha, and Minister of State for Interior, Mr. Talal Chaudhry. Discussions focused on trade, transit, and Afghan refugees.
Minister Azizi reiterated Afghanistan’s desire for the return and deportation of refugees to be conducted in a dignified manner.
Deputy Minister Sheikh Kaleem-ur-Rahman Fani also emphasized the need for dignified return and proposed the establishment of a high-level joint committee involving both countries and relevant international organizations to jointly address refugee-related issues.
Both sides agreed that the refugee issue should be given due attention during upcoming high-level bilateral meetings. Later that day, the Afghan delegation returned to Kabul.
