ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan have decided to constitute a high-level bilateral mechanism to consult and coordinate on various important issues relating to security and civilian movement between the two countries.

The agreement emerged during a meeting held between Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Tashkent.

Afghan National Security Adviser Haneef Atmar was also present.

The Foreign Office issued joint communique saying the proposed mechanism will be co-chaired by Aziz and Rabbani with the participation of the National Security Advisers of the two countries.

The communique further added it will also have a joint technical working group to deal with the concerns of both countries.

The main purpose of this mechanism is not limited to address and resolve the issues of concern to both sides through amicable means, but also to prevent the recurrence of violent incidents like the recent skirmishes at Torkham.

The two sides took this opportunity to review more aspects of bilateral relations.

The duo of Aziz and Rabbani reiterated the mutual desire for strengthening bilateral relations for promoting peace, stability, counter terrorism, and economic progress of both countries. It agreed to enhance mutual engagement in diverse areas to deepen cooperation.

The two sides stressed on their firm commitment to continue serious efforts towards elimination of the scourge of terrorism which poses a grave threat to the peace and security of the both countries, and the region. In the regard, they emphasized the need for close cooperation and coordination between the two countries at all levels.

While discussing bilateral relations, the two sides also stressed the need for continuing joint efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through timely and concrete actions resulting in tangible outcomes, including the framework of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group process

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...