Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to exchange permanent ambassadors

With China playing a vital role, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to exchange ambassadors for the first time since the Taliban’s return to power, signalling a possible turning point in regional diplomacy

STATE OF THE NATION

May 23, 2025

AT a recent event held in Beijing, significant decisions were made signalling that Pakistan and Afghanistan are set to enhance their bilateral relations — thanks in large part to China’s constructive diplomatic engagement. Improvement in ties with its western neighbour is a great development for Pakistan, which only recently emerged from a brief yet intense conflict with its eastern neighbour.

During a meeting involving representatives of all three nations, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to exchange full-time ambassadors, marking a tangible upgrade in their diplomatic relations, both Dawn and Express Tribune have reported.

The announcement was made by the host of the trilateral talks, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have remained largely strained since the Taliban assumed control of the Afghan capital nearly four years ago.

The meeting and its outcomes underscore China’s growing role as a powerful and influential diplomatic player, analysts noted.

“Afghanistan and Pakistan expressed clear willingness to elevate diplomatic relations and agreed in principle to exchange ambassadors as soon as possible,” Wang stated at the conclusion of the informal gathering with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

“China welcomes this and will continue to provide assistance towards the improvement of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations,” the top Chinese diplomat added.

While both countries have maintained diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals, these have until now been led by chargés d’affaires rather than full ambassadors. The decision to exchange ambassadors signifies that Pakistan may be edging closer to recognising the Taliban government formally.

Notably, China was the first country to send a full-time ambassador to Kabul, accepting the Taliban’s envoy earlier this year in March.

A senior Pakistani official characterised the discussions in Beijing as “positive”, stating that all sides had agreed to work closely to pursue common objectives.

Unlike its earlier stance, Pakistan has now chosen to align with the broader international community on the issue of Taliban recognition. Initially, Pakistan had urged early engagement with the new regime in Kabul, encouraging other nations to do the same.

However, relations between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government quickly soured, prompting Islamabad to reassess its approach. Pakistan subsequently made the recognition of the Taliban regime contingent upon concrete action against terrorist groups, particularly the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

According to informed sources, China has been working behind the scenes to persuade both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue. For the first time, the Taliban government is said to have not only expressed willingness but also taken initial steps to curb militant groups operating from Afghan territory.