Introduction: High-Level Diplomatic Momentum Builds Between Pakistan and Afghanistan
In a significant development that could reshape regional diplomacy, Afghanistan’s interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is scheduled to visit Pakistan on a three-day official trip, marking the first high-level Afghan visit to Islamabad in nearly two years.
This diplomatic engagement is being seen as a pivotal moment in reviving strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul. According to sources familiar with the matter, the visit is expected to cover a broad spectrum of issues, including security cooperation, border management, trade facilitation, and regional connectivity, as both nations move to recalibrate their bilateral ties in the post-U.S. withdrawal era.
Background: A Strained Yet Strategic Relationship
History of Tensions and Interdependence
Pakistan and Afghanistan share a 2,640-kilometer porous border, a deep cultural heritage, and a complex geopolitical relationship. While the two nations have historically had interlinked security and economic interests, their relations have often been fraught due to mutual distrust, border skirmishes, and accusations of harboring militant groups.
The fall of the Western-backed Afghan government in August 2021 and the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul further complicated matters. Pakistan, one of the few countries to maintain open communication with the Taliban leadership, adopted a cautious stance, refraining from officially recognizing the interim government while continuing working-level diplomatic engagements.
Since then, sporadic tensions—particularly around the Durand Line, cross-border attacks, and the activities of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—have soured ties. Nonetheless, diplomatic channels have remained open, albeit low-key.
Significance of Muttaqi’s Visit: A Turning Point in Bilateral Dialogue
The First Visit in Two Years
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s upcoming visit will be his first official trip to Islamabad in two years. A diplomatic source in Washington confirmed that the Afghan side has accepted the invitation extended by Pakistan, and final arrangements for the visit are currently being finalized. The visit will last three days, rather than the customary one-day stopover, indicating the depth and importance of discussions planned.
This visit is particularly significant in light of recent regional developments, including the changing security dynamics in Afghanistan and the growing pressure on the Taliban to demonstrate that they are capable of governing effectively and maintaining regional peace.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s April Visit to Kabul: Breaking the Ice
In April 2025, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Kabul, marking the first high-level Pakistani visit to Afghanistan in nearly three years. That landmark trip served as a diplomatic icebreaker, helping to reduce tensions and lay the groundwork for future cooperation.
Dar’s visit was perceived as a confidence-building measure, during which key issues such as cross-border terrorism, trade routes, humanitarian assistance, and refugee repatriation were discussed. Both sides agreed on the need for regular dialogue and institutional engagement to address mutual concerns.
Muttaqi’s upcoming visit is widely viewed as a reciprocal gesture that will help to sustain diplomatic momentum and pave the way for future high-level exchanges.
A Roadmap for Cooperation: Strategic Engagements and Official Exchanges
High-Level Exchanges on the Horizon
Sources close to the matter have confirmed that both Islamabad and Kabul are working on a structured roadmap that includes a series of high-level visits and official exchanges aimed at improving trust and collaboration. This roadmap may include:
- A potential ambassadorial exchange,
- Bilateral meetings between trade and defense ministers,
- Establishment of joint committees to monitor cross-border movement and trade logistics,
- Discussions on counterterrorism cooperation and regional development projects.
By increasing the frequency of formal interactions, both governments hope to build institutional trust and move toward normalization of diplomatic relations.
Security Cooperation: A Shifting Taliban Stance on Militancy
Afghan Taliban’s Recent Actions Against Militant Groups
In a surprising and welcome development, the Taliban interim government has recently taken concrete steps against groups that pose a threat to Pakistan, particularly the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Notably, senior Taliban commander Saeedullah issued a strong statement discouraging Afghan nationals from joining foreign insurgent groups, signaling a potential shift in the Taliban’s traditional stance on regional militancy.
These moves have been interpreted in Islamabad as a gesture of goodwill, showing that the Taliban are beginning to recognize the importance of regional stability and the need for constructive bilateral cooperation.
Pakistani officials have quietly acknowledged these efforts and expressed a willingness to reward this shift through economic and diplomatic support.
Economic and Diplomatic Support: Pakistan and China’s Pledge to Kabul
Rebuilding Afghanistan Through Regional Cooperation
With Afghanistan’s economy in dire straits due to sanctions, aid cuts, and isolation from international financial institutions, Pakistan and its strategic ally China are reportedly prepared to offer economic and diplomatic assistance.
This support may include:
- Trade facilitation measures such as opening new border crossings,
- Humanitarian aid including food and medical supplies,
- Inclusion in regional economic corridors, such as an extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan,
- Technical support for rebuilding infrastructure, education, and health sectors.
Sources say that Pakistan has also expressed its readiness to exchange ambassadors with Afghanistan, a move that would represent a major diplomatic milestone and signal Islamabad’s de facto recognition of the Taliban-led government, even if formal recognition remains elusive.
What’s on the Agenda: Key Topics Likely to be Discussed
During the three-day visit, the agenda is expected to be comprehensive and cover multiple areas of mutual interest, including:
- Security and Counterterrorism
- Joint strategies to combat terrorism along the Durand Line.
- Intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
- Taliban’s assurance on preventing Afghan soil from being used against Pakistan.
- Border Management
- Smooth operation of border crossings such as Torkham and Chaman.
- Easing visa restrictions for trade and humanitarian passage.
- Economic Cooperation
- Enhancing bilateral trade volumes.
- Facilitating cross-border movement of goods and people.
- Exploring Afghanistan’s integration into CPEC.
- Humanitarian Support and Refugee Repatriation
- Coordination on Afghan refugees living in Pakistan.
- Ensuring a safe and dignified return process.
- Diplomatic Normalization
- Potential exchange of ambassadors.
- Establishing direct communication channels between ministries.
Regional and Global Implications of the Visit
Muttaqi’s visit comes at a time when regional actors including China, Iran, and Central Asian republics are actively exploring economic and diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan. The trip will likely be closely monitored by the international community, particularly the United States, Russia, and the United Nations, who are all stakeholders in ensuring that Afghanistan remains peaceful and does not become a sanctuary for global terrorism.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Visit With Long-Term Implications
The upcoming three-day visit of Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Pakistan marks an important chapter in the evolving relationship between Kabul and Islamabad. As both sides inch closer toward formalizing diplomatic and economic ties, this visit could serve as a launchpad for deeper cooperation and regional stability.
While numerous challenges remain—ranging from security threats to political recognition—the decision to engage in constructive dialogue represents a positive step forward. It sends a clear message to the region and the world that diplomacy is still alive, and that Afghanistan and Pakistan can work together to ensure peace, prosperity, and mutual respect.
