Pakistan will appoint an ambassador to Afghanistan for the first time since the Taliban seized power in 2021, signaling a step toward easing strained bilateral ties, according to Reuters, citing Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Currently, both nations are represented in each other's capitals by chargés d'affaires—a lower-level diplomatic role. The move to upgrade diplomatic representation comes after a recent Pakistani delegation visit to Kabul, which Dar said helped place the relationship on a "positive trajectory."
“I am confident this step would further contribute towards enhanced engagement,” Dar wrote on social media platform X.
Islamabad has not yet revealed the name of its intended ambassador. The Afghan foreign ministry and the Taliban's representative in Islamabad have not publicly responded to the development.
The announcement follows an informal meeting last week hosted by China between Pakistani and Taliban officials. Beijing later stated that both sides had agreed to upgrade diplomatic ties.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained tense since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S.-led NATO forces. Islamabad has frequently accused militant groups of using Afghan territory to stage attacks inside Pakistan—a claim the Taliban denies, arguing that militancy is Pakistan’s internal issue.
Despite the step to elevate diplomatic representation, no country—including Pakistan—has formally recognized the Taliban administration, which continues to face international criticism over its stance on women’s rights and governance.
Pakistan now joins China, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan as the fourth country to designate an ambassador to Kabul. While this does not equate to formal recognition, diplomatic experts say the move signals a gradual shift toward normalized engagement with the Taliban authorities.
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