Ambassadorial appointments expected soon following breakthrough in Beijing
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed in principle to restore full diplomatic relations, including the appointment of ambassadors in both capitals, diplomatic sources confirmed on Wednesday.
The agreement was reached during a recent trilateral meeting in Beijing, attended by senior officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China. The meeting marked a renewed effort to ease tensions and foster cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Currently, both Islamabad and Kabul are represented by chargé d’affaires, with ambassador-level appointments having been stalled due to strained relations over the past year. However, following the Beijing talks, both sides have expressed a willingness to resume full-spectrum diplomatic engagement.
Sources close to the matter said that the names of the new ambassadors are likely to be announced in the coming days. The move is being seen as an important step toward rebuilding trust and addressing shared concerns, particularly in areas such as border security, trade, and refugee management.
Diplomatic circles have welcomed the development, with one senior official describing it as a “constructive shift in regional dynamics” that could reduce tensions and open avenues for structured dialogue on key bilateral issues.
The progress was made during the official visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to China, where the trilateral dialogue was hosted.
Observers view the agreement as a confidence-building measure, with China playing a key facilitating role. It is hoped that the renewed diplomatic engagement will also support broader regional stability and cooperation.
