Afghanistan’s Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Abdul Wasi, met with the UK’s special envoy to Afghanistan Richard Lindsay in Kabul on Wednesday, and called for an end to tensions with Pakistan.

The meeting took place at the Presidential Palace, where Lindsay said he was pleased with his visit to Afghanistan and expressed condolences over civilian casualties caused by recent rocket attacks reportedly linked to Pakistani forces.

He stressed the importance of reducing tensions and building mutual trust between the two neighbors.

Wasi thanked the British envoy for his sympathy and diplomatic efforts, while condemning reported attacks on civilian areas, including homes and a university in Asadabad, the capital of Kunar Province.

He said attacks targeting civilians, especially women and children, could not be justified.

He stated that Afghanistan had not sought confrontation and does not support violence, but said defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remained its legitimate right.

He also urged the United Kingdom and other international partners to assess the situation fairly and hold those responsible accountable.

Wasi added that the Islamic Emirate had consistently sought to lower tensions and maintain constructive relations with Pakistan. He said Afghanistan would not allow its territory to be used against other countries and called on Pakistan to honor its commitments.

He also raised the issue of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan, acknowledging Islamabad’s role as host over many years while urging authorities to respect refugee rights and avoid harmful measures.

Lindsay welcomed Afghanistan’s stated commitment to peace and said messages aimed at confidence-building had been conveyed to Pakistani officials. He added that both sides should take practical steps to improve cooperation and regional stability.

The British envoy also emphasized the need to keep humanitarian aid flowing into Afghanistan through Pakistan, warning that continued conflict would worsen hardship for people on both sides of the border.

Closing the meeting, Wasi said trade, transit and humanitarian operations should remain separate from political disputes. He added that Afghanistan had not obstructed aid deliveries and would respond positively if Pakistan took steps toward de-escalation.

Germany deported 25 Afghan nationals convicted of serious crimes to Kabul on Tuesday night in the latest charter flight repatriation.

According to German authorities, those deported had been issued removal orders after being convicted of offenses including manslaughter, rape, aggravated assault and drug-related crimes.

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the regular and systematic deportation of criminals to Afghanistan was a central part of Germany’s migration policy shift.

“People who have abused our protection and committed crimes here must leave our country,” he said, adding that Berlin would continue to expand deportations in a gradual and consistent manner.

The move follows an agreement between Germany’s Interior Ministry and Afghanistan’s de facto authorities aimed at enabling regular deportation flights.

German officials said the policy also fulfills a commitment in the governing coalition’s agreement to facilitate ongoing removals to Afghanistan.

Sirajuddin Haqqani, Afghanistan’s Minister of Interior Affairs, met on Tuesday with Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special representative to Kabul.

According to the Ministry of Interior, the two sides discussed enhancing cooperation between Afghanistan and Russia, along with security, economic, and political issues.

They also exchanged views on positive engagement and regional stability.