ISLAMABAD  -  Pakistan and Afghanistan yesterday agreed to restore full diplomatic ties, eying regional connectivity through the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line Project.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi, to discuss the bilateral ties.

Muttaqi welcomed the decision of Pakistan to up-grade its diplomatic relations to the Ambassador level and informed that Afghanistan has decided to reciprocate the same. He termed it a very positive development in bilateral relations, the Foreign Office said.

Both the leaders also reviewed implementation of decisions taken during DPM’s visit to Kabul on 19 April 2025 and vowed  to continue working together to establish mutual trust between the two brotherly nations.

Emphasizing the importance of UAP Railway Line Project for regional connectivity, both leaders agreed to work closely for an early finalization of the framework agreement.

Over the weekend, Pakistan formally upgraded its representation in Afghanistan from a Chargé d’Affaires to a full ambassadorial post, marking a notable upturn in bilateral relations and signalling Islamabad’s intent to pursue deeper collaboration on regional security, counter-terrorism, and economic connectivity.

Ishaq Dar announced the decision on platform X, describing it as a continuation of the positive momentum generated during his “very productive” visit to Kabul on April 19, 2025.

This diplomatic upgrade comes at a time when Pakistan appears to be recalibrating its foreign policy posture amid shifting regional dynamics. While tensions with India remain high following a recent deadly flare-up in Kashmir earlier this month, Islamabad has simultaneously intensified diplomatic engagement with both China and Afghanistan. These efforts indicate a strategic reorientation aimed at restoring regional balance and addressing urgent security and economic challenges.

Adding further weight to this policy shift, a China-Pakistan-Afghanistan trilateral meeting was convened in Beijing on May 21, reviving a dialogue framework that had remained dormant since 2023.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, following the meeting, noted that both Kabul and Islamabad had agreed—under China’s facilitation—to exchange ambassadors “as soon as possible,” a move seen as pivotal for restoring diplomatic normalcy and building trust.

China also confirmed that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the crown jewel of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), will now formally extend into Afghanistan.

The inclusion of Afghanistan in the CPEC framework is expected to connect the landlocked country to vital regional infrastructure and commercial networks, potentially transforming its economic landscape.

Senior Pakistani officials revealed that another round of trilateral consultations is being planned in the coming weeks to build upon the progress made in Beijing.

Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is also expected to visit Islamabad in the near future for further high-level talks. “The dates for this possible three-day visit are being finalized,” an official confirmed, adding, “We are heading toward deeper and more structured cooperation.”

Islamabad, Kabul eye regional connectivity through UAP railway