Dr. Zahid Anwar Khan (IR Expert): Pakistan and Afghanistan are intertwined in deep bonds of culture, language and religion. Pakistan always supported Afghan people and drew attention fo the world community toward the plight of Afghans. Pakistan is giving a large number of scholarships to Afghan students to study in various Pakistani universities. Taliban government should focus on improving its relations with Pakistan as it will grant them regional connectivity. Pakistan will also benefit from these regional links as it can get access to energy resources of Central Asia through Afghanistan. The visit of Pakistan’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs will be beneficial for bilateral relations as well as linkages. Pak, Afghan relations have seen many ups and downs over the years but it is beneficial if the relations are strengthened.

A. M. Shahid (Former Ambassador): The upcoming visit of Minister of State to Afghanistan is of key importance. Pakistan and Afghanistan have deep brotherly relations that span into many areas. With the change in military leadership of Pakistan, it is also important to hold talks with the Afghan leadership. The visit of Hina Rabbani Khar will send a strong message that Pakistan is in favour of girls education in Afghanistan. Both sides will discuss trade, connectivity, education and border issues. Hina Rabbani Khar is a skilled diplomat and she will be able to convince the Afghan side on many issues.