Afghanistan and Pakistan Elevate Diplomatic Ties Amid Easing Tensions

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

---

Image Source: Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/WANA/Handout via Reuters

Afghanistan has welcomed Pakistan’s decision to upgrade its diplomatic representation in Kabu

l, marking a significant step in thawing relations between the two historically tense neighbors.

On Friday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that Islamabad would elevate its chief diplomat in Kabul from charge d’affaires to full ambassador. In a reciprocal move, the Taliban-led Afghan government confirmed it would do the same with its representative in Islamabad.

“This elevation in diplomatic representation between Afghanistan and Pakistan paves the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation in multiple domains,” Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated via social media platform X on Saturday.

The move is seen as a diplomatic breakthrough, particularly in light of the strained ties between the two countries in recent months. Disputes over cross-border security threats and Islamabad’s mass deportation of undocumented Afghan refugees had contributed to rising tensions.

Despite the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, only a few nations including China, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan have appointed full ambassadors to Afghanistan. Pakistan becomes the fourth country to do so, and Russia recently indicated it would follow suit after removing the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to visit Pakistan in the coming days, according to Afghan ministry spokesman Zia Ahmad Takal. His visit follows a recent trilateral meeting in Beijing involving Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar, and Muttaqi. The session focused on strengthening regional cooperation and easing bilateral tensions.

While Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghan-based militants of launching attacks on Pakistani soil, Kabul maintains that these are internal issues for Pakistan to address. Nonetheless, officials on both sides have indicated that recent diplomatic engagements have improved trust and understanding.

China, which has played an active role in mediating discussions, pledged continued support to help both nations stabilize their relations.

The enhanced diplomatic ties come at a crucial time, as Afghanistan continues to face isolation on the world stage and struggles with an escalating humanitarian crisis exacerbated by mass deportations and economic hardship.

As Kabul and Islamabad edge toward a more collaborative relationship, regional observers remain cautiously optimistic that sustained dialogue could lay the groundwork for broader political and economic cooperation in South Asia.