Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha on Wednesday to convey condolences from the leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) following the death of former Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Afghan Foreign Ministry said.

Muttaqi also held talks with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani, and Minister of State at the Foreign Ministry Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, the ministry said in a statement.

During the meetings, Muttaqi extended condolences to the Qatari officials over the death of the former emir.

Many Afghan students studying in Pakistan are facing growing uncertainty as delays in visa renewals leave them without valid documentation, according to the Islamic Emirate’s Consul General in Karachi, Abdul Jabbar Takhari.

Takhari said students enrolled at universities in Pakistan’s Sindh province have so far been able to continue their studies without major disruptions.

However, he noted that many have been unable to renew their visas after their existing permits expired, as Pakistani authorities have yet to issue new visas.

The delays have left a number of students in legal limbo, raising concerns about their ability to remain in the country and complete their education.

Takhari added that the situation is more challenging in some other provinces, where Afghan students are reportedly facing a greater risk of detention or deportation amid Pakistan’s ongoing campaign against undocumented foreign nationals.

The visa issues come as Pakistan continues to implement its repatriation policy for undocumented foreigners, a process that has resulted in the return of hundreds of thousands of Afghans since late 2023.

While students holding valid documentation have generally been exempt from the campaign, delays in renewing visas have heightened fears that some could become vulnerable to enforcement measures.

Afghan officials have previously called on Pakistan to facilitate visa renewals for students, warning that prolonged delays could disrupt their education and place additional pressure on young Afghans already affected by years of conflict and displacement.

India has reaffirmed that the Kabul-Delhi air corridor remains fully operational, ensuring the uninterrupted movement of commercial goods between Afghanistan and India despite ongoing regional trade and transit challenges.

Speaking at a press briefing, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the air corridor continues to facilitate trade between the two countries and remains an important link for Afghan exports and imports.

Jaiswal’s remarks followed the recent visit to India by Afghanistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Ataullah Omari, who held talks aimed at strengthening agricultural cooperation and expanding bilateral trade.

According to the Indian foreign ministry, Omari met with India’s Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Food Processing Industries and senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs. The discussions focused on boosting agricultural collaboration, enhancing food processing initiatives and exploring opportunities to increase trade between the two countries.

The Kabul–Delhi air corridor has played a significant role in maintaining commercial ties since its launch in 2017, allowing Afghan exporters to ship high-value products such as fresh and dried fruits, nuts, saffron and medicinal herbs directly to Indian markets while reducing reliance on overland transit routes.

India has increasingly sought to preserve its economic relationship with Afghanistan by supporting alternative trade and connectivity channels. In addition to humanitarian assistance, New Delhi has continued to engage with Afghan authorities on issues related to trade, agriculture and development, despite broader regional logistical challenges.

The latest discussions underscore both countries’ interest in expanding economic cooperation and ensuring that trade continues uninterrupted, with agriculture remaining a key pillar of the bilateral relationship.