Sanaullah says Pakistan won’t tolerate terrorism, regrets Afghan non-cooperation

• PM’s Adviser says Pakistan made ‘every possible effort’ to settle issues with Afghanistan
• Holds meeting Kazakh envoy, discusses issues of mutual interest, trade and connectivity
• Kistafin says border closure hurting Pakistan–Kazakhstan trade, hopes for revival of rail link, expanded cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Senator Rana Sanaullah on Wednesday said Pakistan had made every possible effort, including major sacrifices, to address issues with Afghanistan but regretted that the Afghan regime had not shown the desired willingness to cooperate.

Speaking during a meeting with Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin, the adviser underscored that Pakistan had hosted millions of Afghan nationals for decades, yet Afghan soil continued to be used by elements involved in terrorist activities inside Pakistan. He stated in clear terms that Pakistan would not allow any form of terrorism on its soil.

Senator Rana Sanaullah, who also holds the portfolio of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), discussed with the Kazakh ambassador matters of mutual interest and avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation. The meeting, held at the IPC Ministry, focused on expanding collaboration in trade, sports, tourism, regional connectivity and cultural exchanges.

The Kazakh ambassador noted that bilateral trade and transportation links were currently facing difficulties due to the closure of the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, which had adversely affected regional connectivity. He said this disruption had posed challenges for the smooth movement of goods between the two countries.

Highlighting existing trade ties, Ambassador Kistafin said Pakistan exports various agricultural products to Kazakhstan, including mangoes, oranges and onions, along with surgical instruments and other goods, stressing that this trade partnership remained significant for both sides.

Senator Rana Sanaullah said Pakistan’s mangoes and oranges were internationally renowned for their superior taste and quality, adding that the government was keen to further expand agricultural exports and diversify trade with Kazakhstan.

The ambassador described Pakistan as an important strategic partner for Kazakhstan and expressed his country’s interest in broadening cooperation in sports, education, agriculture, medicine, culture and other key sectors. He recalled that prior to the border closure, both countries were actively working on the Pakistan–Kazakhstan railway connectivity project, which was expected to substantially boost bilateral trade.

He voiced hope that once conditions improve, stalled projects would resume and pave the way for a new era of enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

The meeting was also attended by Federal Secretary IPC Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani and other senior officials of the ministry, according to a statement issued here.