The longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan, akin to that of brothers due to their shared border for approximately 140 years, which has historically been characterized by close economic and diplomatic ties.
However, recent disagreements between the two nations have strained their fraternal bond.
Tensions escalated between the sibling nations when Islamabad conducted airstrikes along the Afghan-Pakistan border, targeting alleged hideouts of Islamist insurgents following a cross-border attack against the Pakistani military.
Despite this, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson for the Pakistani foreign ministry, affirmed in a public announcement on X formerly known as twitter that the country is committed to fostering trade and people-to-people connections with Afghanistan.
In an effort to mend fractured ties, a Pakistani delegation, led by Commerce Secretary Khurrum Agha, embarked on a two-day visit to Kabul to address bilateral trade issues.
Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities are reportedly preparing to deport registered Afghan refugees, with the deportation process slated to commence next month, although the precise date remains undisclosed.
Diplomatic strains have also impacted trade between the two nations, with a suspension lasting several weeks in January due to driver documentation issues.
Islamabad has accused Kabul of harboring Pakistani Taliban militants responsible for cross-border attacks, a claim denied by the Afghan government.
