Pakistan: Formal diplomatic relations with Afghanistan have been severed since 2021.

Pakistan: Formal diplomatic relations with Afghanistan have been severed since 2021.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, announced that since 2021, with the Taliban taking control of Afghanistan, official diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Kabul have been severed and have not been restored yet.

He stated at a regional meeting in Kuala Lumpur: “Afghanistan is our neighbor and we have always emphasized the importance of its stability and security for Pakistan. But unfortunately, since the Taliban came to power, there has been no official interaction between the governments of the two countries.”

Ishaq Dar recalled his official visit to Kabul on April 19, 2025, and said: “During this one-day visit, I held direct talks with Taliban officials to provide a basis for rebuilding trust and starting relations; but these efforts have not yet led to the restoration of official relations.”

The Pakistani foreign minister also referred to the trilateral meeting held in Beijing on May 20 with the participation of Afghanistan, Pakistan and China, calling it part of the process of strengthening regional cooperation.

In another part of his speech, the Pakistani official emphasized that one of the main challenges in bilateral relations is the continued activities of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group on Afghan soil.

The Pakistani foreign minister said, “We have asked the Taliban to take decisive steps to contain this group, as its threats directly target Pakistan’s security.”