Pakistan to restore full diplomatic ties with Afghanistan

Ishaq Dar says ties with Kabul improving, announces plan to upgrade diplomatic representation after visit to Kabul

Listen to article

Pakistan has decided to upgrade its Chargé d'Affaires in Kabul to the rank of Ambassador, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on X, Radio Pakistan reported on Friday.

He expressed confidence that the upgrade would enhance engagement and deepen Pakistan-Afghanistan cooperation in economic, security, counter-terrorism, and trade sectors. Additionally, it is expected to promote further exchanges between the two fraternal countries.

Announcing the decision to upgrade diplomatic representation, Dar said bilateral relations had been on a positive trajectory since he visited Kabul with a Pakistani delegation last month. "I am confident this step would further contribute towards enhanced engagement," he said on X.

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations are on positive trajectory after my very productive visit to Kabul with Pakistan delegation on 19th April 2025. To maintain this momentum, I am pleased to announce the decision of the Government of Pakistan to upgrade the level of its Chargé…

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 30, 2025

China, which hosted an informal meeting last week between the government and the Afghan Taliban administration, said afterward that the two countries planned to upgrade their diplomatic ties.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have had a strained relationship since the Taliban administration took power after the withdrawal of US-led NATO forces.

Islamabad says that Islamist militants who launch attacks inside Pakistan use Afghan soil. Kabul denies this, saying such militancy is Pakistan's domestic problem to handle.

No country has formally recognised the Taliban administration since it took power, with foreign powers calling for it to change course on women's rights. Pakistan becomes the fourth country after China, UAE and Uzbekistan to designate an ambassador to Kabul.

Although those governments say they have not formally recognised the Taliban's government, diplomats and experts say that having an ambassador officially present their credentials represents a step towards recognition.