Security and Peace
Peace and stability is the priority of the two nations. Disengagement, therefore, between the two governments is not desirable. The high-level exchanges should be resumed in order to promote dialogue at all levels to generate conducive environment for removing mistrust.
The Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) should be revived, and it should continue to encourage the Taliban to come to the negotiation table, to adhere to well-defined, measurable goals and steps indicating progress.
Terrorism is a common concern, which continues to affect families on both sides. Effective regulatory framework is needed to check movement of goods and people on both sides, beginning with the regulation of existing crossing points, and gradually extending it to other entry and exit points.
Media
Media plays a major role in shaping relations and public perceptions with far reaching implications. In this context, both sides supported facilitating exchanges of media people, and formulation of shared code of conduct to regulate media communication. Furthermore, ban/block on print/electronic media should be lifted. In response to official request by TV channels, PEMRA should give concessional landing rights to facilitate viewing of Afghan channels in Pakistan. Media should foster younger, more neutral, more progressive voices on-air to mitigate the mutual vitriol generated by brinkmanship and jingoism. Efforts should be made to encourage joint media productions by state and private TV channels to promote a culture of peace and understanding.
Visas
Both the governments should further simplify visa procedures and regulations for bona fide business people, students, and parliamentarians. Special counters offering speedy processing should be set up in respective embassies to facilitate visas to medical tourists and disabled persons.
Education
In view of interest for education in Pakistan, it is strongly recommended that the government of Pakistan should increase the number of existing scholarship to Afghan students. Further, the grant of scholarships should be routed through ministry of higher education and concerned Pakistani authorities.
Culture and Sports
Both countries enjoy shared culture and enjoy similar sports. Keeping in view the positive contribution of sports and culture in promoting peace and stability, it was recommended that both the countries should organize cricket matches between national and regional teams. Also, the state TV channels, on reciprocity basis may telecast regularly cultural events.
Trade
The existing Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) renegotiation should not be delayed any further. In the meanwhile, in order to reduce cost of transit trading, custom processing should be expedited to promote connectivity among Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and central Asian republics. Trading in food items including perishable commodities should be treated as a priority.
Refugees
The repatriation of refugees should not entail unnecessary hardship and harassment. As announced by the government of Pakistan, refugees must be allowed to return with dignity and honor, with their belongings and assets. The government should consider the hard climate conditions in Kabul and therefore, should extend the deadline for repatriation to warmer months.