Alfghanistan Strengthens Diplomatic Relations with Neighbouring Pakistan

By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda Updated at 1705 EAT on Saturday 31 May 2025

Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to upgrade their diplomatic relations, signaling an easing of tensions between the two South Asian neighbours.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that the charge d’affaires in Kabul will be elevated to ambassador rank. In response, Afghanistan’s Taliban government confirmed that its representative in Islamabad will also receive a similar upgrade. This development marks a significant step toward improving bilateral ties and cooperation between the two nations.

The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that upgrading diplomatic representation between Afghanistan and Pakistan would facilitate stronger bilateral cooperation across various domains.

This development is expected to enhance relations and foster greater collaboration between the two nations.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is due to visit Pakistan “in the coming days”, the ministry spokesman, Zia Ahmad Takal, said.

Only a handful of countries including China have agreed to host Taliban government ambassadors since their return to power in 2021, with no country yet formally recognising the administration.

Pakistan has become the fourth country to designate an ambassador to Kabul, following China, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan.

Russia recently announced plans to accredit a Taliban government ambassador, after removing the group’s “terrorist” designation. This development comes amid a backdrop of strained relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have been tense due to security concerns and Pakistan’s efforts to expel tens of thousands of Afghan refugees.

Islamabad says armed groups which launch attacks inside Pakistan use Afghan soil. Kabul denies the allegation, saying such violence is Pakistan’s domestic problem to handle.

However, Foreign Minister Dar on Friday said relations between the two nations have improved since he visited Kabul last month. Last week, he also met Muttaqi and their Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, during a trilateral meeting Beijing.

China has pledged to support efforts to improve Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, following a recent meeting.

This move underscores China’s interest in regional stability and cooperation, particularly given its growing economic and strategic investments in the area. By fostering better ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan, China aims to enhance regional security and facilitate its Belt and Road Initiative projects.

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