ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic development, Afghanistan and Pakistan have announced the formal appointment of ambassadors to each other’s capitals, marking a potential thaw in relations that have been strained since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.
The Afghan government confirmed the appointment of its new ambassador to Islamabad, although the name has not been officially released. Diplomatic sources suggest that Maulvi Sardar Ahmad Shakib, currently the Taliban’s senior representative in Pakistan, is likely to be elevated to the post. This announcement comes shortly after Pakistan upgraded the status of its top diplomat in Kabul. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar took to the social media platform X to declare, “I am pleased to announce that the Government of Pakistan has decided to elevate the post of its Charge d’Affaires in Kabul to the rank of ambassador.” Obaidur Rehman Nizamani, who has been serving as chargé d’affaires, will now formally assume the role of ambassador—Pakistan’s first since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. These reciprocal diplomatic moves follow a key trilateral meeting in Beijing earlier this week between the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, aimed at boosting regional cooperation. Adding further momentum to the rapprochement, Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to visit Islamabad soon on a three-day official trip. According to Tolo News, the visit comes at the invitation of the Pakistani government and will focus on a broad range of bilateral issues.
Experts view these developments as critical steps toward improving Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, which have been marred in recent years by cross-border tensions, the repatriation of Afghan refugees, and persistent security concerns. “Though Afghanistan remains unrecognised on the international stage, as neighbouring Muslim nations with shared history, these challenges can be addressed through political dialogue,” said political analyst Syed Abdullah Sadiq. Another analyst, Khalil Nadeem, emphasised the strategic importance of engagement with Kabul. “Afghanistan has built ties with India, Arab countries, and the former Soviet states. For Pakistan, fostering strong relations with Afghanistan is essential to advancing its regional interests,” he noted.
The renewed diplomatic engagement is being cautiously welcomed as a step toward stability and cooperation in a volatile region.
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