ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan’s interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to visit Islamabad soon, diplomatic sources told a Pakistani media outlet. It would be his first visit to Pakistan in two years, and officials are currently finalizing the dates.
Sources confirmed that the Afghan side has already accepted Pakistan’s invitation. The visit is expected to last three days, during which both countries will hold talks on key issues, including security, trade, and border management.
In April, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Kabul — the first high-level Pakistani visit to Afghanistan in nearly three years. According to diplomats, the visit helped reduce tensions between the two neighbors.
Officials say Muttaqi’s upcoming visit is part of efforts to strengthen high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both sides have developed a roadmap that includes regular visits of ministers and senior officials from each country.
Recent actions by the Taliban government against groups posing threats to Pakistan, along with statements from senior Taliban leaders, indicate a possible shift in their approach.
In a recent development, senior Taliban commander Saeedullah Saeed issued a warning during a police graduation ceremony. He said fighting in foreign countries, including Pakistan, without the approval of the Emir is not allowed in Islam. He added that individuals who join armed groups to wage jihad abroad are not real mujahideen.
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He emphasized that attacking other countries without official approval is not jihad but rebellion, and such actions go against both Islamic teachings and the leadership of the Afghan Taliban.
Sources believe that in response to these steps, Pakistan and China are ready to offer diplomatic and economic support to the Afghan government. Pakistan has already hinted at exchanging ambassadors with Kabul, which would be seen as a major diplomatic gain for the Taliban administration.
