Taliban-led Afghan Administration and Pakistan Hold High-Stakes Meeting to Address Trade Ties and Refugee Crisis

In a significant development, the acting commerce minister of the Taliban-led administration in Afghanistan, Haji Nooruddin Azizi, held a meeting with Pakistan's foreign minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, in Islamabad. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss trade ties between the two neighboring countries and find solutions for the transfer of properties belonging to Afghan refugees returning to their homeland. This meeting comes amid Pakistan's recent decision to expel over a million undocumented Afghan citizens, citing security reasons and accusing the Taliban-led administration of harboring armed militants who carry out attacks in Pakistan.

The Taliban officials, on the other hand, argue that these attacks are Pakistan's internal matter and have called on Islamabad to halt the deportation of Afghan citizens. During the meeting, both sides discussed various issues, including bilateral trade, the stranded goods of Afghan traders in Karachi port, and the smooth transfer of Afghan refugees' properties to Afghanistan. Afghan citizens returning to their homeland have faced difficulties in transferring cash and property from Pakistan, where many of them had established businesses and homes over the years.

Pakistan's foreign office emphasized the need for collective action against terrorism and highlighted the potential for regional trade and connectivity. It conveyed the message that by addressing the issue of terrorism, both countries can harness the full potential for trade and connectivity in the region. In recent weeks, Pakistan has ramped up its efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, including Afghans, resulting in more border crossings being opened to expedite the repatriation process. The number of Afghans crossing the border from Pakistan has drastically increased, with approximately 15,000 individuals crossing daily. International aid agencies have raised concerns about the dire conditions faced by these returnees, particularly with the onset of the cold winter season.

Despite calls from the United Nations, human rights groups, and Western embassies to reconsider the expulsion of Afghan refugees, Pakistan has remained firm in its decision. The country lacks a comprehensive mechanism to handle refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without proper documentation, leading to chaotic and desperate situations for Afghan citizens returning from Pakistan. This meeting between the Taliban's commerce minister and Pakistan's foreign minister is significant as it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan refugees and the need to address trade and connectivity issues between the two countries. The outcome of this meeting could potentially pave the way for smoother trade relations and the safe transfer of properties for Afghan refugees returning to their homeland.