Islamabad, August 9, 2025: Pakistan and Afghanistan have formally elevated their diplomatic representation to the ambassadorial level, marking a notable step towards normalising relations amid ongoing regional tensions.
The decision, reached in May during talks hosted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with his Pakistani and Afghan counterparts, was confirmed on Friday by Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan.
“The bilateral relations between the two countries are now at the ambassadorial level, and that process is complete,” Khan said at the weekly briefing, noting that the Afghan envoy in Islamabad now enjoys full ambassadorial protocol. The usual formality of presenting credentials to the president was waived in this case.
Khan clarified that upgrading ties does not mean Pakistan is recognising the Taliban government, with Russia remaining the only country to do so.
The announcement came the same day Taliban Energy Minister accused Pakistan of opposing a “strong and stable” Afghan government — a claim Khan dismissed as contrary to “common sense, history and the facts.” He reiterated Pakistan’s interest in a peaceful Afghanistan and again raised concerns over terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, along with alleged Indian involvement in destabilising activities in Pakistan.
On a possible visit by Afghan Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi — initially planned for August 4 but postponed over a “technical issue” — Khan said dates were still under discussion and would be announced once finalised.
