Cup of tea in Afghanistan cost Pakistan dearly: Ishaq Dar

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has said that having a cup of tea in Afghanistan cost Pakistan dearly.

He made this statement in a reference to the former ISI chief's visit to Kabul during the PTI government. The visit came in September 2021 weeks after the Taliban took over Afghanistan.

Addressing the Senate, Dar said he received six calls from Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi the previous day and emphasised that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.

He said that earlier meetings with the Afghan interim government had been productive and that his administration implemented all agreed-upon decisions within two months, but systemic obstacles hinder full execution of policies.

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Commenting on past mistakes, Dar stated that the previous government’s actions, including allowing the return of Taliban members and releasing dangerous criminals, had serious repercussions. “Whether it’s our government or any other, such mistakes should not be repeated. We must learn from them,” he added.

Dar underscored the importance of Pakistan’s relationship with its neighbor Afghanistan and said that the issue requires forward-looking engagement. He also highlighted the role of the Qatari Foreign Ministry, which maintained continuous contact regarding Afghan matters, and stressed that terrorism originating from Afghan soil must end.

Praising Pakistan’s security forces, Dar said that personnel continue to sacrifice their lives in the fight against terrorism and extended respect to the families of martyrs.