A high-profile Pakistani delegation has abruptly postponed its visit to Afghanistan. The delegation was to leave for Kabul on Sunday to discuss issues related to terrorism, border security, and regional stability with Afghan officials.
Sources said that a four-member high-profile delegation led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was to leave for Kabul on Sunday. The delegation also included top security officials. The purpose of the visit was to discuss important issues such as border security, terrorism, and regional stability. The Foreign Office confirmed the postponement of the visit on Monday and said that a new date would be announced later. There was no official statement from the Afghan embassy on the matter either. Some Afghan media reports are claiming that the Afghan government has refused to issue visas to the Pakistani delegation. According to these reports, the Taliban government took this decision due to the tension arising from the recent border clashes.
According to the Pakistan Foreign Office, Pakistan had retaliated in self-defence due to “unauthorized firing” from Afghan territory on the night of October 11-12, in which elements involved in terrorism suffered casualties and property damage. The Foreign Office says that these operations were carried out against those elements who were planning and supporting terrorist attacks against Pakistan, and the safety of citizens was ensured in these operations. Pakistan maintains that it seeks peaceful and mutually respectful relations with Afghanistan, but is capable of responding effectively to any potential provocation. It is not yet clear how long the Pakistani delegation’s visit will be postponed or when a new date will be announced.
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