On December 24, 2024, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, met with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi in Kabul to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation and promoting peace in the region. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been tense, primarily due to border disputes and Pakistan’s repeated calls for Afghanistan to take action against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group operating from Afghan territory. Afghanistan, however, has denied these allegations.
Despite these challenges, both countries have recently engaged in diplomatic talks, with the most recent being between Afghan chargé d’affaires Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on December 9. This was followed by a meeting between Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires in Kabul, Obaid Nizamani, and Taliban Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob on December 13. Ambassador Sadiq confirmed on social media that his meeting with Foreign Minister Mutaqqi on December 24 included wide-ranging discussions, with both parties agreeing to strengthen bilateral cooperation for regional peace and progress.
A day before meeting Mutaqqi, on December 23, Ambassador Sadiq also held discussions with Afghan Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, where both sides reiterated their commitment to enhancing fraternal relations. Pakistan’s decision earlier this month to reappoint Ambassador Sadiq as the Special Representative to Afghanistan, following informal confirmations, coincided with reports that the Afghan Taliban had begun relocating TTP members and their families away from the border in Ghazni, a move intended to ease tensions with Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office emphasized that these recent engagements reflect Pakistan’s commitment to resolving outstanding issues through dialogue. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch highlighted that the meetings were a clear expression of Pakistan’s desire for a constructive approach to resolving issues, particularly those related to counterterrorism. This series of diplomatic exchanges suggests that both nations are preparing to renew engagement after a period of strained relations, signaling a potential shift toward improved cooperation and mutual trust.
