ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has officially elevated its diplomatic mission in Kabul to full ambassadorial status, marking major step in strengthening ties with Afghanistan after brief border tensions.
Pakistan’s step to upgrade diplomatic relations shows broader regional effort to engage with Afghanistan despite international hesitations over recognition, focusing on stability, security, and economic connectivity in South Asia. Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said bilateral relations between two neighbors as “on a positive trajectory.” To maintain this momentum, Pakistan has decided to promote its Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul to the rank of Ambassador.
During his visit, Dar interacted with Afghanistan’s interim Foreign Minister Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi, discussing ways to enhance cooperation between Islamabad and Kabul. He expressed confidence that appointing a full ambassador would boost collaboration across key areas such as economic development, security, counterterrorism, and trade, while encouraging greater exchanges between the peoples of both nations.
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
Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative to Afghanistan, also hailed development, saying the move would foster bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the region’s peace and progress.
Pakistan’s diplomatic presence in Kabul was headed by a chargé d’affaires. The upgrade comes nearly four years after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led foreign forces.
The decision follows informal trilateral meeting hosted by China in Beijing last week, where top diplomats from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China agreed in principle to appoint ambassadors promptly. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi also announced plans to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor into Afghanistan, a move welcomed by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
Since Taliban’s return to power, Beijing accepted ambassador from the interim administration, highlighting its growing engagement with Kabul.
