Afghanistan | Pakistan

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan yesterday upgraded its diplomatic representation in Afghanistan from a Chargé d’Affaires to an ambassador-level envoy, signalling improvement in bilateral ties and an intent to pur-sue deeper cooperation on regional security and economic integration.

Pakistan on Friday announced its elevation of diplomatic representation in Afghanistan from Charge d’Affaires to Ambassador level as bilateral ties “move on a positive trajectory.” Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to upgrade their diplomatic relations by exchanging envoys — a key step towards normalising ties after years of strained relations between Islamabad and the Taliban administration in Kabul. Ties between the two neighbouring countries had turned sour due to frequent border skirmishes and Islamabad repeatedly demanding that Kabul take action against the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for using Afghan soil to launch attacks in Pakistan. Kabul has denied the allegations. The recent understanding was reached during an informal trilateral meeting of foreign ministers from Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan in Beijing earlier this month. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Afghanistan’s interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in the Chinese capital. In a post on X, Dar said, “...

Pakistan has decided to upgrade its diplomatic presence in Kabul by appointing an ambassador, replacing the current chargé d’affaires, in a move aimed at restoring full bilateral relations with Afghanistan.

ISLAMABAD/ BEIJING - The Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, China and Afghanistan on Wednesday agreed to deepen Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation and extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.

In a significant development, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to fully restore diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level, according to official sources.

Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan convened an informal meeting in Beijing to reaffirm their commitment to enhancing trilateral cooperation aimed at promoting regional security, economic integration, and connectivity.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday ordered a Pentagon review of the chaotic 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan, which has long been a target of Republican criticism. “I have concluded that we need to conduct a comprehensive review to ensure that accountability for this event is met and that the complete picture is provided to […]

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has alleged that Baloch rebels are receiving official support and shelter in Afghanistan.

The United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan. “Afghanistan has experienced improved security conditions, and its stabilizing economy no longer prevents its nationals from returning home,” Secretary Noem stated in a press release. The TPS designation for Afghanistan will expire on May 20, 2025, […]

Afghanistan officials on Sunday expressed their concern that the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India would have a “direct negative impact” on Kabul and the region. After an attack on April 22 in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam killed 26 people, India, without investigation or evidence, implied “cross-border linkages” of the att­a­­­c­kers. Pakistan has firmly rejected the claim and called for a neutral probe. In response to India’s aggressive moves against the country, Pakistan had announced retaliatory measures that have included halting all border trade, closing its airspace and ports to Indian carriers and expelling Indian diplomats. Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Hekmatullah Zaland, the deputy director of the Afghan foreign ministry’s Centre for Strategic Studies (CSS), said: “Since Pakistan and India are located in our neighbourhood, if this tension spreads, it will have a direct negative impact on the region and Afghanistan.” The CSS deputy director added, “We are currently interacting wit...