Pakistan, Afghanistan Vow to Strengthen Ties Amid Regional Security Concerns

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — September 19, 2025 — Advisor to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, met with Afghanistan’s Acting Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb on Friday to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation. The meeting emphasized the need to strengthen people-to-people contacts, boost trade opportunities, and work jointly to address shared security challenges. Both officials agreed that peace in Pakistan and Afghanistan is deeply interconnected and essential for long-term regional stability.

Ambassador Shakeeb assured Islamabad of Afghanistan’s full cooperation in ensuring stability across borders. Meanwhile, reports confirmed the death of Gul Rahman alias Ustad Mureed, the mastermind behind the Jaffar Express terrorist attack and operational commander of the Indian proxy group Fitna al Hindustan, in Helmand province under mysterious circumstances. His killing is seen as a significant breakthrough in counterterrorism efforts. Officials believe that removing such militant commanders could ease cross-border tensions, though both nations acknowledged that lasting peace requires continued dialogue and mutual trust.