ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan was undermining regional peace and development efforts, urging the Taliban government to take concrete and verifiable action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other affiliated groups.
Addressing an informal meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council, Dar said Pakistan wanted a peaceful, prosperous and stable Afghanistan that was fully integrated into the region and maintained peaceful relations with its neighbours.
He said Pakistan had adopted a policy of constructive engagement with Afghanistan toward that goal and had provided various facilities to promote bilateral and transit trade.
“Pakistan’s only expectation is that the Taliban government address its legitimate security concerns and take concrete and verifiable action against the TTP, BLA and other groups that threaten Pakistan’s sovereignty and the lives of its citizens,” Dar said.
He stressed that peace and development in the region could only be achieved by eliminating the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
Turning to regional economic cooperation, Dar said the ECO region, covering nearly 8 million square kilometres and home to around 500 million people, accounted for only about 2.2% of global trade despite its considerable economic and commercial potential.
He said there was significant scope for expanding regional trade and economic cooperation.
Connectivity projects linking Central and South Asia could create new opportunities to unlock the region’s economic potential, Dar said, adding that Pakistan was ready to serve as a gateway for the region and facilitate trade routes connecting Central Asia with seaports on the Arabian Sea.
He also identified improvements in visa regimes, the movement of goods and people, digital integration and transit systems as key areas for strengthening regional cooperation.
Dar said the ECO’s strategic objectives for 2026-2035 would provide a practical and ambitious framework for regional cooperation over the coming decade.
Referring to preparations for the 30th meeting of the ECO Council of Foreign Ministers scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November, Dar said Pakistan looked forward to working closely with all member states and the ECO Secretariat.
