Pakistan Elevates Diplomatic Ties with Afghanistan Amid Regional Shifts

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced Pakistan’s decision to elevate its Chargé d'Affaires in Afghanistan to ambassadorial status, signaling improved relations between the two nations.

Dar stated on X that his recent visit to Kabul on April 19 had been "very productive," placing Pakistan-Afghanistan relations on a positive trajectory. He expressed confidence that this step would enhance engagement in economic, security, counter-terrorism, and trade sectors.

Currently, both countries maintain embassies in each other’s capitals, but they are led by charge d’affaires rather than ambassadors. Pakistan’s move follows China’s precedent of accepting an ambassador from the Taliban-run administration, with other nations like the UAE also following suit.

The two neighbors share a 2,500-kilometer porous border, crucial for trade and regional connectivity. Security concerns remain a priority for Pakistan, which has urged Afghanistan to prevent groups like the TTP from using its territory for attacks.

Earlier this month, China hosted an informal meeting between Islamabad and the Afghan Taliban administration, where Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed plans to upgrade diplomatic ties. Both nations agreed in principle to appoint ambassadors soon.

Additionally, Pakistan and China reaffirmed their commitment to extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, aiming to boost regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

The Beijing meeting also resulted in agreements on security collaboration, counter-terrorism efforts, and the resumption of the trilateral China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue in Kabul.

Tensions eased following a rare meeting between Muttaqi and Dar in Kabul, where concerns over the deportation of Afghan nationals from Pakistan were discussed. Both sides committed to maintaining constructive dialogue on security, trade, and broader bilateral relations.