Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Invites Taliban’s FM To Islamabad

Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's Foreign Minister, extended an invitation to Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban's Foreign Minister, to visit Islamabad.

Dar mentioned that Muttaqi congratulated him on his appointment as the foreign minister during a phone call.

Since the Taliban's takeover of power in Afghanistan in 2021, Islamabad has hosted Taliban officials on numerous occasions. Pakistani officials have also made several visits to Kabul for discussions on various issues.

Although Islamabad has not officially recognised the Taliban as a legitimate government, it has expressed support for the group's inclusion in international organisations such as the United Nations.

Initially, senior Pakistani officials displayed optimism about the Taliban's broad victory following the collapse of the former Afghan government. However, this optimism has since transformed into harsh criticism of the Taliban.

Senior Pakistani officials hold the Taliban responsible for the surge in attacks by insurgent groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

Islamabad has consistently urged the Taliban not to permit insurgents to operate from Afghan territory against Pakistan. However, the Taliban responded to Islamabad's criticisms by alleging that Pakistan seeks to deflect responsibility for its security lapses onto Kabul.