Islamabad – Pakistan has officially announced the elevation of its diplomatic mission in Afghanistan to the ambassadorial level, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral ties with its war-torn neighbour.
The decision was confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who stated that the upgrade reflects Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Afghanistan across various sectors.
“We hope this step will deepen our collaboration in areas of economic development and security cooperation,” Dar said in a statement released on Thursday.
The upgrade marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s diplomatic posture toward Afghanistan. Until now, Islamabad had maintained its Kabul mission at the level of Chargé d’Affaires, a position often associated with transitional or limited diplomatic engagement.
Trade and Regional Stability in Focus
Dar emphasized that the move is also aimed at revitalising trade between the two countries. Pakistan and Afghanistan share a rugged, porous border and complex political history, but trade and economic interdependence remain key to their relationship.
“We believe this will foster stronger commercial ties and pave the way for stable, long-term engagement,” he added.
The announcement comes in the wake of Dar’s official visit to Kabul on April 19, 2025, which he described as a “turning point” for bilateral relations. During the visit, senior officials from both sides reportedly discussed issues ranging from border security and counterterrorism to trade facilitation and regional connectivity.
Context and Challenges
Pakistan’s decision to appoint an ambassador comes at a time of heightened regional uncertainty. Tensions have flared in recent months over cross-border attacks and the presence of militant groups operating in border regions. Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government has repeatedly called for a more formal diplomatic recognition and enhanced economic ties with neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan.
Independent analysts view the ambassadorial appointment as both a symbolic and strategic gesture, potentially setting the stage for more institutionalised dialogue between the two governments.
