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On Friday, Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, made an important announcement that would significantly impact the diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He revealed that Pakistan would elevate its Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul to the position of an ambassador. This marks a key step in improving and formalizing the relationship between the two countries, signaling that the diplomatic engagement is moving forward on a more robust and structured path.
Dar’s announcement comes on the heels of his “very productive” visit to Kabul on April 19, 2025, during which he discussed various matters with Afghan officials. The visit, according to Dar, was a milestone in terms of enhancing Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, and he expressed confidence that this new diplomatic development would further strengthen bilateral ties.
Improving Diplomatic Ties and Cooperation
Ishaq Dar emphasized that the decision to upgrade the diplomatic mission would help deepen cooperation in critical areas such as economic development, security, counter-terrorism, and trade. He also mentioned that the move would facilitate further exchanges between the two countries, which share a long and porous border that stretches over 2,500 kilometers. The border has traditionally been a vital element for both regional trade and the people-to-people relationship between the two nations.
Dar’s statement reflects the broader geopolitical context of Pakistan and Afghanistan’s interactions, where economic and security issues remain central. In particular, Pakistan has raised concerns about terrorist groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) using Afghan soil to launch attacks on Pakistani territory, a matter that continues to test the diplomatic relationship.
China’s Role in Facilitating Diplomatic Talks
China has also played a pivotal role in improving relations between Islamabad and Kabul. Earlier this year, China hosted an informal meeting between Pakistani and Afghan officials, which included Dar and Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. During this meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that both Pakistan and Afghanistan had agreed to upgrade their diplomatic ties by sending ambassadors to each other’s capitals, a step that had long been anticipated by both sides.
This move was not only a diplomatic breakthrough but also laid the foundation for stronger economic collaboration between the neighboring countries. The most notable outcome from the Beijing meeting was the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan. This development was seen as an effort to enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth through increased trade and infrastructure development. Furthermore, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China agreed to ramp up cooperation in security matters, focusing on counter-terrorism efforts, combating militant groups, and addressing external interference.
Afghanistan’s Continued Security Concerns
Although there is optimism surrounding the improvement in diplomatic relations, there remain significant challenges, particularly in terms of security. A commander of the Afghan Taliban, Saeedullah Saeed, recently issued a warning to extremist groups, including Fitna al-Khwarij, not to engage in attacks against Pakistan in the name of jihad. These warnings reflect the fragile security environment in Afghanistan, where various factions continue to challenge the central government’s authority.
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The Taliban government in Afghanistan, while officially recognized by only a few countries, is struggling to maintain control over its territory. The challenge of dealing with cross-border militancy remains a key issue, and Pakistan continues to urge Afghanistan to take stronger action against groups that use Afghan soil for operations that destabilize Pakistan.
Addressing Bilateral Tensions
One of the key issues that has strained relations between the two countries in recent months is the deportation of tens of thousands of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. This has created significant tensions, as many Afghans in Pakistan have lived there for decades, contributing to the local economy and society. During his meeting with Dar in Kabul, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi expressed concerns over these deportations, and both sides agreed to continue their dialogue in a constructive manner to address these and other bilateral issues.
They also discussed broader issues, including trade cooperation, transit facilitation, and efforts to ensure that the diplomatic ties between the two countries are positive and productive. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan seem committed to resolving their differences through dialogue, marking a shift from previous years, when tensions often escalated into conflicts.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations
The recent diplomatic developments between Pakistan and Afghanistan are a testament to the changing dynamics of their relationship. The decision to send ambassadors to each other’s capitals is a significant step that symbolizes both countries’ commitment to improving ties and fostering stability in the region. The ongoing discussions about economic cooperation, trade, and security will likely lead to more opportunities for regional integration and development.
However, while progress has been made, there remain several obstacles, including security challenges, political differences, and the complex issue of terrorism. The true impact of these diplomatic shifts will depend on the ability of both governments to work together on the ground and address the concerns of their respective populations.
