ISLAMABAD: For the first time since returning to power in 2021, Afghanistan’s Taliban government on Saturday named a full ambassador to Pakistan, a move that underscores a growing willingness on both sides to reset ties amid persistent security tensions.

Mawlawi Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, who was already serving as chargé d’affaires in Islamabad, according to a diplomatic source, has been elevated to the rank of ambassador.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan welcomes the decision of the Government of Pakistan to upgrade the level of its diplomatic mission in Kabul to that of an ambassador,” the Taliban-run Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement issued from Kabul.

“In reciprocity, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will elevate the status of its mission in Islamabad,” it added.

Reciprocal move underscores growing willingness to reset ties amid ongoing security tensions

The announcement comes a day after Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar declared that Islamabad had designated Ubaidur Rehman Nizamani as its ambassador to Afghanistan.

Mr Dar made the announcement on social media platform X during a visit to Hong Kong, expressing confidence that the move would “contribute towards enhanced engagement” and “deepen Pak-Afghan cooperation” across economic, security and counterterrorism areas. The development marks a diplomatic breakthrough after nearly three years of tense relations and minimal official contact following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.

Since then, both countries had operated with chargé d’affaires-level representation, a temporary arrangement typically used in the absence of full ambassador.

Pakistan’s decision to upgrade its envoy was facilitated by China, which hosted an informal trilateral meeting with Afghan and Pakistani officials in Beijing earlier this month.

The talks emphasised regional connectivity and counterterrorism cooperation under the Belt and Road framework.

Despite the elevation in diplomatic representation, Islamabad has clarified that the appointment does not amount to formal recognition of the Taliban government, which remains unrecognised internationally.

The appointment also reflects a thaw in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations after months of escalating tensions over cross-border terrorism. Islamabad has accused the Taliban of harbouring the members of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakis­tan, the banned group blamed for a 70 per cent spike in terror attacks across Pakistan in 2024.

Diplomatic sources say counterterrorism cooperation featured prominently in recent talks, including Foreign Minister Dar’s April visit to Kabul.

Relations had hit a nadir in late 2022 when Nizamani survived an assassination attempt in the Afghan capital. While the Pakistani envoy remained unha­rmed, a guard was critically injured in the embassy compound.

The mutual ambassadorial appointments are expected to facilitate smoother dialogue and coordination between both countries.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2025