Saturday, March 29, 2025
In a major diplomatic shift following recent China-led trilateral talks, Pakistan has announced its decision to appoint an ambassador to Afghanistan. This move marks the first time since the Taliban seized control of Kabul in 2021 that Pakistan will send such a high-level envoy to the country.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed that Islamabad will soon dispatch an ambassador to Kabul. Until now, Pakistan maintained only a chargé d’affaires in Afghanistan, signaling limited formal engagement. The appointment of a full ambassador indicates a significant upgrade in bilateral ties with the Taliban administration, despite the lack of formal international recognition.
The development comes days after a high-profile trilateral meeting hosted by China in Beijing, which included the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. China emphasized regional stability and urged both neighbors to overcome their differences. It also reaffirmed its strategic interest in expanding influence across South Asia.
Notably, China has proposed integrating Afghanistan into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a move that has raised concerns in India due to its implications for regional connectivity and influence.
Pakistan now joins China, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan as the fourth country to appoint an ambassador to the Taliban-run government in Kabul, even though none have officially recognized the regime. According to diplomatic analysts, appointing an ambassador does not constitute formal recognition but does reflect a step toward normalization.
The Taliban, meanwhile, continues to seek global recognition, which remains elusive due to concerns over human rights and terrorism.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have had a tumultuous relationship since the Taliban takeover. In December 2024, a Pakistani airstrike on Afghan territory heightened tensions. Islamabad has frequently accused Kabul of harboring terrorists from groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an allegation the Taliban denies.
Furthermore, Pakistan’s expulsion of thousands of Afghan refugees has sparked criticism from the Taliban administration, adding another layer of strain to bilateral ties.
By announcing the ambassadorial appointment, Pakistan is signaling a pragmatic approach to regional diplomacy, one in which strategic necessity overrides ideological alignment. This step may pave the way for further cooperation on trade, border security, and regional connectivity — especially under China’s growing influence in the region.
The move reflects evolving geopolitical dynamics in South Asia, where traditional alliances are shifting in response to changing power structures, and China’s mediation plays a pivotal role in shaping outcomes.
