Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced a major diplomatic upgrade on Friday. He stated that Pakistan will elevate its Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul to the level of an ambassador. The decision follows Dar’s recent visit to Afghanistan and signals a warming relationship between the two countries.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Dar called his April 19 trip to Kabul “very productive.” He noted that Pakistan-Afghanistan ties were on a “positive trajectory.” He added, “I am confident this step would further contribute towards enhanced engagement, deepen Pak-Afghan cooperation in economic, security, CT & trade areas, and promote further exchanges between two fraternal countries.”
Current Diplomatic Setup
Both nations currently have embassies in each other’s capitals. However, they are run by chargés d’affaires, not ambassadors. This new move marks the first step in upgrading diplomatic representation between the two governments.
China was the first country to accept an ambassador from the Taliban-led administration. This came despite Beijing not formally recognizing the government in Kabul. The UAE and several other nations have followed China’s lead.
Border Dynamics and Trade
Pakistan and Afghanistan share a 2,500-kilometre-long porous border. The border holds strategic and trade significance, connecting communities on both sides. Improved diplomatic relations are likely to ease cross-border movement and trade flow.
Terrorism remains a top concern for Islamabad. Pakistan has repeatedly urged Kabul to stop its soil from being used by terrorist groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). However, in a significant move, Afghan Taliban commander Saeedullah Saeed recently issued a warning to terrorists against targeting Pakistani forces under the guise of Jihad.
China Hosts Key Talks
Earlier this month, China hosted informal trilateral talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban government. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that both neighbours had agreed to upgrade their diplomatic ties. He also revealed that ambassadors would be exchanged soon.
A major breakthrough from the Beijing talks was the decision to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. This move aims to strengthen regional connectivity and boost economic cooperation.
Security and Dialogue Initiatives
The three countries also pledged to increase counter-terrorism cooperation. They agreed to act jointly against militant groups and oppose foreign interference. Plans are in place to restart the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue. The sixth round is expected to be held in Kabul soon.
Tensions began to ease after Dar’s rare meeting with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul. The Taliban side raised concerns over Pakistan’s deportation of Afghan nationals. Both sides agreed to continue talks in a constructive manner, focusing on trade, security, transit cooperation, and broader bilateral issues.
