Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar addresses Senate, calling the 2021 Kabul visit a big mistake in handling Afghanistan relations (Photo: ANI)
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has revived debate over Islamabad's handling of relations with Kabul as the country's past engagement was labeled a costly mistake.
Speaking to the Senate on Wednesday, Dar criticized a symbolic "cup of tea" visit to Afghanistan, adding that it came at a heavy price for Pakistan. The comment, interpreted as a veiled jab at the previous Imran Khan led government, underlined growing frustration over cross-border militancy and strained ties between the two neighbors.
Dar's comments had alluded to the 2021 visit of then ISI chief Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed to Kabul soon after the Taliban seized control over Afghanistan. "It was a big mistake and should not be repeated," Dar said, arguing that Pakistan's decision to open its borders during that period created long-term security challenges. The Deputy PM suggested the militant networks like TTP, BLA and Fitna al-Khawarij were now operating from Afghan soil.
The remarks mirror the criticism that Dar has also leveled against the preceding administration on more than one occasion. He said at an earlier press conference in London that Pakistan is paying the price for that cup of tea, linking the move to a surge in domestic security incidents since 2021.
Afghan officials wasted little time responding to Dar’s accusations. Hafiz Zia Ahmad, a spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called the Pakistani minister’s statements “lacking in accuracy and realism.” Ahmad explained on X that the two foreign ministers had spoken once not six times in one day, as Dar suggested and that their conversation was focused on coordination rather than confrontation.
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Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi also denied allegations of Afghan soil being used for carrying out cross-border attacks and said that his government wants to maintain friendly and cooperative ties with Pakistan.
Despite his criticism, Dar still sounded guarded optimism over the resumption of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Istanbul on November 6. The discussions, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye are expected to cover border security and intelligence cooperation.
Last month's airstrikes and retaliatory fire had brought the two countries close to escalation before a ceasefire was brokered. With both sides preparing to meet again, Dar added that the words of caution and reminder were necessary since the missteps of the past should not be repeated if stability is ever to be restored in the region.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and official statements. It does not represent any government or agency’s official position.
