Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – In a major diplomatic development, Pakistan has decided to appoint a full-fledged ambassador to Afghanistan — the first such appointment since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021. The move, announced Friday by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, signals a significant upgrade in bilateral ties between the two neighboring countries.
Dar shared the news on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating:
“To maintain the positive momentum in Pak-Afghan relations, I am pleased to announce the decision of the Government of Pakistan to upgrade the level of its Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul to the level of Ambassador.”
The announcement follows Dar’s visit to Kabul on April 19, where he led a high-level delegation and held what he described as “important and constructive meetings” with Afghan officials.
“This step will further enhance diplomatic engagement and pave the way for greater cooperation in economic development, trade, security, and counter-terrorism,” Dar said, expressing hope for deeper ties between the “two fraternal countries.”
While Pakistan has not yet revealed the name of the envoy, the decision makes it the fourth country — after China, the UAE, and Uzbekistan — to designate an ambassador to the Taliban-led administration, even though formal recognition remains withheld.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between the two neighbors, with Pakistan accusing militants of using Afghan territory to launch cross-border attacks — a charge Kabul denies.
The Afghan foreign ministry and Taliban officials in Islamabad have yet to comment on Pakistan’s announcement.
Diplomatic analysts say the appointment may mark a cautious step toward de facto recognition of the Taliban administration, even as broader concerns remain — particularly over human rights and women’s freedoms under the regime.
