Dar Says 2021 Kabul ISI Visit Was a 'Costly Cup of Tea' That Heightened Security Risks

Post by : Raina Nasser

Islamabad – Pakistan’s Defence and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has characterised the 2021 visit by the then-ISI chief to Kabul as a "costly cup of tea," arguing the diplomatic move contributed to a deterioration in Pakistan’s security environment. Speaking in the Senate on Wednesday, Dar urged that the episode be treated as a cautionary example for future foreign-policy choices.

Dar tied the Kabul meeting to subsequent movements of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters and other extremist elements across the Afghan border, saying the episode helped precipitate a rise in militant incidents. He stopped short of naming the former ISI head but faulted the previous administration for facilitating the return of fighters and freed militants.

"Our outreach sometimes takes the form of informal engagements — a cup of tea — and while the intention is goodwill, this one had severe consequences," Dar said, adding that the visit effectively reopened channels that allowed armed elements to move back into Pakistan and resume violent activities.

He also raised continuing worries about cross-border attacks and said Islamabad has repeatedly sought telephone contact with Afghan authorities. Dar said he personally phoned Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi six times to press for action to prevent terrorist operations from Afghan soil; Afghan officials have countered that exchanges were part of routine coordination aimed at mutual understanding.

The comments arrive ahead of planned security talks in Istanbul on November 6, which are intended to strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The meeting follows a recent cycle of cross-border airstrikes and retaliatory operations that increased bilateral tensions.

Reiterating his earlier criticism of the 2021 Kabul engagement, Dar said Pakistan continues to feel the consequences of that gesture. He emphasized that policymakers must apply the lessons learned from that episode to shape a more cautious and security-focused approach to future engagement with Afghanistan.