Pakistan to restore full diplomatic ties with Afghanistan

Pakistan has decided to upgrade his Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul to rank as ambassador, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at X, Radio Pakistan reported Friday.

He expressed confidence that the upgrade would improve commitment and elaborate on Pakistan-Dephanistan cooperation in economic, security, terrorism and trade sectors. In addition, it is expected to promote further exchanges between the two fraternal countries.

Dar, who announced the decision to upgrade diplomatic representation, said bilateral connections had been on a positive trajectory since visiting Kabul with a Pakistani delegation last month. “I am convinced that this step would further contribute to improved commitment,” he said at X.

China, who hosted a informal meeting last week between the government and the Afghan Taliban administration, said afterwards that the two countries were planning 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 Islamist militants launching attacks inside Pakistan use Afghan Earth. Kabul denies this and says that such militant conditions are Pakistan’s domestic problem to deal with.

No country has formally recognized the Taliban administration since it took power, with foreign powers that called for it to change course on women’s rights. Pakistan will be the fourth country after China, UAE and Uzbekistan to appoint an ambassador to Kabul.

Although these governments say they have not formally recognized the Taliban government, diplomats and experts say that having an ambassador officially presenting their credentials represents a step towards recognition.