Pakistan's Ishaq Dar Holds Breakthrough Talks in Kabul

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Kabul for the first high-level talks between the two countries in three years, meeting with senior Taliban officials amid heightened tensions. The visit follows a breakthrough session of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Coordination Committee and comes as Pakistan intensifies efforts to deport over 800,000 undocumented Afghans, with more than 85,000 already returned in April—a move criticized by international organizations. The agenda included security, trade, and connectivity, with Pakistan raising concerns over cross-border militancy and the presence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan. The Taliban government expressed willingness for the first time to address some of Pakistan's security concerns, raising hopes of easing tensions. Persistent issues discussed included the Durand Line dispute, border skirmishes, and accusations of attacks from Afghan soil. The meeting also aimed to revitalize diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation despite ongoing mistrust.