Islamabad:
The long -awaited visit of the Foreign Minister of Afghan Amir Khan Muttaqi to Islamabad was postponed at the last minute due to what officials cited as a “technical problem.”
Muttaqi was scheduled to start a three -day crucial trip to Islamabad since August 4, as part of the renewed efforts of both parties to restart their problematic relationship.
The preparations had been completed and all the commitments of the Afghan Foreign Minister were confirmed. However, before Islamabad and Kabul could formally announce the visit on Sunday, a “technical problem” forced a delay.
While officials did not explain the nature of the issue, it is believed that it is related to the prohibition of traveling imposed to the CSNU to the Taliban leaders. The two parties are expected to work together to solve the technical hitch, and it is likely that the visit will take place sooner rather than later.
Muttaqi’s visit had been delayed a lot, since both countries have been working to reduce tensions.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has traveled to Kabul twice since April in a renewed diplomatic impulse to solve the problems that bilateral ties accumulate.
High level exchanges produced some progress, particularly in concerns regarding the presence of the prohibited Pakistan of Tehreek-E-Taliban (TTP) and other anti-pakistan groups. According to officials, the Taliban administration has taken certain measures, including the discouragement of Afghan citizens to join the TTP ranks.
In another sign of improving ties, Pakistan and Afghanistan also agreed to improve their diplomatic relations with the level of ambassador appointments.
The sources confirmed that Muttaqi is still anxious to visit Pakistan and will do so as soon as the problem is solved.
This would mark his first visit to Islamabad since May 2023, when he attended a trilateral meeting that involves the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan and China.
According to the sources, Beijing has also played a key role in bringing Islamabad and Kabul closer.
Pakistan had been urging the government led by the Taliban in Kabul for a long time to address the threats raised by prohibited groups such as the TTP. While Kabul has publicly denied the presence of such groups, he has cited privately the inability to take measures against them.
However, Pakistan has managed to persuade the Afghan regime to take some concrete measures, including repressions in Afghan citizens involved with the TTP. The Afghan authorities have also taken measures against those that facilitate others to join the group.
The measures have helped relieve tensions between the two neighbors.
The authorities said that Pakistan would continue to encourage the Taliban government to follow similar actions. In return, Pakistan and China are prepared to support Kabul both economically and diplomatically.
