Kabul, 9 November 2021 (TDI): The Ambassador to Afghanistan of Pakistan, Mansoor Ahmad Khan had a telephonic conversation with the Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, on 7 November.
Both parties discussed measures for strengthening bilateral trade. In the meeting, the two sides first discussed cross-border movement and trade. Moreover, they also discussed humanitarian assistance.
BACKGROUND AND RECOGNITION
The Taliban overthrew the former Afghan government in August. They have been trying to gain international recognition and financial support. Islamabad has not formally recognized the Present Kabul government. Though Pakistan has not formally recognized the Taliban government.
Pakistan is one of the few countries which maintain its diplomatic mission and also its envoy in Kabul. Pakistan had helped Afghanistan in times of difficulty. Moreover, it is now actively campaigning for international engagement with the Taliban.
TALIBAN’S INTERIM FOREIGN MINISTER VISIT
The interim Foreign Minister of the Taliban is expected to visit Pakistan soon. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi invited Amir Khan Muttaqi during his visit to Kabul. This is part of the efforts to reestablish their ties.
The visit to Pakistan will be the first that the Taliban Interim Foreign Affairs Minister will make since their takeover of Afghanistan on August 15. Several senior Taliban officials will accompany the Afghan Minister. They will discuss several issues with Pakistani authorities.
TIES RE-ESTABLISHED
Pakistan-Afghanistan relations had been marred by mistrust, for years. Qureshi visited Kabul in October. After the meeting, Qureshi reported that he noticed a visible change in the approach of the interim Taliban government. According to Qureshi, the new administration is ready to take the necessary steps to improve their bilateral ties.
Pakistan is trying to convince the international community to engage with the Taliban they established their control and de-facto government on Afghanistan.
However, the international community remains skeptical about them. The countries have been looking to judge them on promises to respect human rights before recognizing them as legitimate.
