Pakistan to upgrade diplomatic ties with Afghanistan in easing of tensions

Pakistan will designate an ambassador to Afghanistan, the first since Kabul fell to the Taliban in 2021, the country's foreign minister said on Friday, announcing an upgrade in diplomatic ties that shows some easing of tensions between the two neighbours.

Currently, Pakistan and Afghanistan's top envoy in each other's country is a charge d'affaires, a lower level than ambassador. Pakistan has not yet said who will be nominated to the upgraded post.

Announcing the decision to upgrade diplomatic representation, Pakistan's foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, said bilateral relations had been on a positive trajectory since he visited Kabul with a Pakistani delegation last month.

"I am confident this step would further contribute towards enhanced engagement," he said on X.

Afghanistan's foreign ministry and Taliban's charge d'affaires in Islamabad did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China, which hosted an informal meeting last week between the Pakistani government and the Afghan Taliban administration, said afterward that the two countries planned to upgrade their diplomatic ties.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have had a strained relationship since the Taliban administration took power after the withdrawal of US-led NATO forces.

Islamabad says that Islamist militants who launch attacks inside Pakistan use Afghan soil. Kabul denies this, saying such militancy is Pakistan's domestic problem to handle.

No country has formally recognised the Taliban administration since it took power, with foreign powers calling for it to change course on women's rights.

Pakistan becomes the fourth country after China, UAE and Uzbekistan to designate an ambassador to Kabul.

Although those governments say they have not formally recognised the Taliban's government, diplomats and experts say that having an ambassador officially present their credentials represents a step towards recognition.