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The Wire
a day ago
- Business
- The Wire
Pakistan to Send Ambassador to Taliban Regime
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Top Stories Pakistan to Send Ambassador to Taliban Regime The Wire Staff 7 minutes ago The decision, which marks a further thaw in bilateral ties, will make Islamabad the fourth capital to send an ambassador to the Taliban. Pakistani foreign and deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar made the announcement on Friday, May 30. File photo: X/@mishaqdar50. Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now New Delhi: Pakistan will appoint an ambassador to the Taliban-run Afghanistan, where its highest diplomatic official is currently a charge-d'affaires, it said on Friday (May 30), marking an improvement in the two countries' strained bilateral relations. The announcement by Pakistani foreign minister and deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar came days after he met his Afghan and Chinese counterparts, Amir Khan Muttaqi and Wang Yi, in Beijing, where Islamabad and Kabul had discussed enhancing ties. Writing on X on Friday, Dar described Pakistan-Afghanistan relations as being on a 'positive trajectory' after his meeting with Muttaqi, who is the Taliban's acting foreign minister, in Kabul last month. He said: 'To maintain this momentum, I am pleased to announce the decision of the Government of Pakistan to upgrade the level of its Chargé d'Affaires in Kabul to the level of Ambassador.' 'I am confident this step would further contribute towards enhanced engagement, deepen Pak-Afghan cooperation in economic, security, CT & trade areas and promote further exchanges between two fraternal countries,' Dar continued. Kabul is yet to officially respond to the announcement. Pakistan is the fourth country to designate an ambassador as its highest diplomatic representative to Afghanistan since its 2021 takeover by the Taliban, after China, the UAE and Uzbekistan. None of these countries – or any nation in the world for that matter – formally recognises the Taliban regime, but it has been noted that an ambassador presenting their credentials to the regime in Kabul would count as a step in the way of recognition. While Pakistan and Afghanistan said they discussed enhancing bilateral ties and trade following the informal trilateral foreign ministers' meeting in Beijing on May 21, the Chinese foreign ministry's readout said that Islamabad and Kabul 'agreed in principle to exchange ambassadors as soon as possible'. The three sides also discussed extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan, Beijing's readout further said. Pakistan's state-run radio also mentioned discussions on this topic. Friday's announcement also comes against the backdrop of enhanced relations between Afghanistan and India, with a phone call by external affairs minister S. Jaishankar with Muttaqi earlier this month marking the first ministerial-level engagement between New Delhi and the Taliban regime after it stormed to power four years ago. Before the May 15 phone call, foreign secretary Vikram Misri had met Muttaqi in Doha in January. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been tense amid Kabul's opposition to Islamabad's demarcation of their western frontier, Afghanistan's support for the Tehreek-i-Taliban militant group operating across the border, recurring clashes between the Pakistani army and Taliban forces, and the expulsion of Afghan refugees by the Pakistani government. The recent thaw in relations began when Dar met Muttaqi on April 19 in Kabul. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Jaishankar Speaks to Taliban Counterpart, Welcomes Kabul's Rejection of Pak Claims During Conflict India's Outreach to Kabul Amid Simmering 'Pashtunistan' Demand Could Give It Leverage Over Pakistan US Reviewing Taliban's Classification as 'Foreign Terrorist Organisation' China Calls for 'Restraint' After Pahalgam, Reaffirms Support for Pakistan's 'Sovereignty' Why Naya Bharat Needs a Jameel Mahmood India Dismisses Pakistan's Claim of Role in Balochistan Attack as 'Baseless' Kerala Journalist Arrested by Nagpur Police for Criticising Operation Sindoor India Needs a Strategic Reset After Pahalgam Terror Attack, Operation Sindoor Pakistan's Slick US Strategy: It's Deja Vu All Over Again About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
NDTV
a day ago
- Business
- NDTV
Pakistan Upgrades Ties With Afghanistan Days After China's Taliban Outreach
New Delhi: Days after a China-convened meeting that pushed for greater Pakistan-Afghanistan ties, Islamabad has made a significant announcement - that it will be sending an Ambassador to Kabul soon. This is the first time since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021 that Islamabad has decided to upgrade its ties with its western neighbour. The announcement was made on Friday by Pakistan's foreign minister Ishaq Dar, who met his Chinese counterpart and the Taliban's acting foreign minister last week in Beijing. Diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan are currently at a charge d'affaires-level - a step below that of an Ambassador. Besides last week's ministerial-level meeting organised by Beijing, Pakistan's foreign minister had traveled to Kabul with a Pakistani delegation last month to hold delegation-level talks to further bilateral ties. 'POSITIVE TRAJECTORY' Praising the "positive trajectory" between Islamabad and Kabul ever since last month's delegation-level talks, Mr Dar said it is time to upgrade ties with the Taliban. Announcing the decision to send an Ambassador, he added that "I am confident this step would further contribute towards enhanced engagement and exchanges between two fraternal countries." Pakistan-Afghanistan relations are on positive trajectory after my very productive visit to Kabul with Pakistan delegation on 19th April 2025. To maintain this momentum, I am pleased to announce the decision of the Government of Pakistan to upgrade the level of its Chargé… — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 30, 2025 Pakistan however, has not named the person who will be sent to Kabul as Ambassador. The Taliban too, has not responded to Islamabad's gesture yet, though it also has its charge d'affaires based in Islamabad. CHINA'S MOVES IN AFGHANISTAN China has made it a priority to settle differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan and push for Beijing's greater influence in south Asia. This could be seen last week. Besides the meeting where all three foreign minister's were present, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held individual closed-door talks with Afghanistan's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Though China was the first country to accept an Ambassador from the Taliban-run administration in Kabul, Beijing says it officially hasn't formalised ties with Kabul. However, Beijing has swung into action after India's outreach to the Taliban administration on May 15 - when foreign minister S Jaishankar held ministerial-level talks with Kabul for the first time since 2021. Beijing has also announced that after last week's meeting with the Taliban minister, Afghanistan has come on board the so-called "China-Pakistan Economic Corridor" which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir or PoK. In addition to this, Beijing said that the informal talks it organised between the Pakistani government and the Afghan Taliban administration has led to the two countries to upgrade relations. TRADING CHARGES Ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained strained since December 2024, when nearly 50 people were killed in Afghanistan's Paktika province after Pakistan's air force bombed the region. Islamabad claims that those who launch attacks inside Pakistan use Afghan soil to do so. Kabul rejects this, saying such attacks emanate from within Pakistan, which is plagued with terrorists which are its own creation. Handling terrorism is Pakistan's domestic problem, Kabul has said. Afghanistan's Taliban administration has also expressed concern over the manner in which Pakistan was deporting tens of thousands of refugees. UNOFFICIALLY OFFICIAL No country has formally recognised the Taliban administration since it took control of Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US-led NATO forces. Nationals globally have called for the Taliban to change course on women's rights. Pakistan now becomes the fourth country after China, UAE, and Uzbekistan to designate an Ambassador to Kabul. Although these governments maintain that they have not formally recognised the Taliban, diplomats and experts say that having an Ambassador officially present their credentials represents a major step towards recognition.
NDTV
21-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Days After India's Taliban Outreach, China Huddles With Pakistan, Afghanistan
New Delhi: Days after India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with the Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi - the first ministerial-level outreach by India to Afghanistan's Taliban administration, China has moved swiftly to organise a meeting between Islamabad and Kabul. At the informal meeting, moderated by China's foreign minister Wang Yi, both Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed "in principle" to send ambassadors to each other's country as soon as possible. They also expressed their willingness to upgrade the level of diplomatic ties, a statement by China's foreign ministry has said. CHINA ENGAGES AFGHANISTAN DIPLOMATICALLY Besides the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also held bilateral talks with Afghanistan's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar separately. Beijing, which aims to foster stronger ties between Islamabad and Kabul, has swung into action after seeing India's outreach to the Taliban administration. China was the first country to accept an ambassador from the Taliban-run administration in Kabul though it does not formally recognise its government. New Delhi, which has also kept diplomatic channels open, is yet to officially recognize the Taliban government. THE AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN EQUATION Ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained strained since December 2024, when nearly 50 people were killed in Afghanistan's Paktika province after Pakistan's air force bombed the region. Seeing that most of those who died in the bombing were children and women, Pakistan has, till date, not officially confirmed that it was their military which carried out the action. Islamabad however, did say that it was carrying out "anti-terror operations" in Afghanistan against terrorist groups that act against Pakistan. Over the years, Pakistan has been openly blaming Afghanistan for being a "safe haven" for terrorists targeting it - Kabul has rejected these allegations. Afghanistan's Taliban administration has also expressed concern over the manner in which Pakistan was deporting tens of thousands of refugees. Mr Muttaqi had met his counterpart Ishaq Dar last month to address these concerns. WHO SAID WHAT AFTER TODAY'S MEETING Thanking China for facilitating talks with the Taliban, Pakistan's foreign office has "welcomed positive momentum in bilateral ties, including enhanced diplomatic engagement, trade, and transit facilitation." China's foreign minister said that Beijing and Islamabad also agreed to support the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan, and are willing to expand trade exchanges with Afghanistan. Mr Wang also mentioned that during talks all sides agreed on security cooperation, combating terrorist forces and safeguarding regional peace and stability. Taliban's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi also "emphasized the importance of political and economic relations with both countries and expressed hope for further progress in these areas in the future." INDIA WIDENS COOPERATION WITH TALIBAN India and the Taliban administration have been taking steps to strengthen ties since August 2021, when the regime came to power after US' withdrawal from Afghanistan. Over the years, a series of meetings between Indian diplomats and Taliban officials have worked towards broader cooperation between the two countries which have shared historic ties. Though ties have not yet normalised, India's policy towards Afghanistan under the Taliban regime has been focused on providing humanitarian aid and the well-being of Afghan citizens. Diplomatic initiatives have also been ongoing towards bringing normalcy to ties. A series of diplomatic meetings have also taken place over the last one year. A high-level meet also took place in Dubai in January this year, when foreign secretary Vikram Misri, along with an Indian delegation met Taliban's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and an Afghan delegation. The two leaders held wide-ranging bilateral talks, including on Chabahar Port. The meeting in Dubai was aimed at bolstering cooperation over humanitarian aid, developmental assistance, trade, commerce, sports, cultural ties, regional security, and projects of national interest. In recent times, the Government of India has also permitted the Taliban to gradually take control of the Afghan missions in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad in order to provide consular services to its nationals in India and assist those coming from Afghanistan to India on business or to study, or get medical care.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Rights under constant attack in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan
AI image Amid many other global crises, the human rights situation in Afghanistan has been overshadowed in the international media. Millions of people continue to suffer from systemic rights violations under the Taliban-run government, a UN report has found. Tasked with assisting the people of Afghanistan, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) monitors the human rights situation in the country, issuing regular reports. In its latest update on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, UNAMA not only documented cases of gender-based violence and public floggings but also the growing persecution of the Ismaili community. Ismailism is a branch of Shia Islam, while Sunni Islam is the dominant religion in Afghanistan. Most members of the Ismaili community live in the country's northern provinces, such as Badakhshan or Baghlan. In the former, there have been at least 50 cases of members of the Ismaili community being forced to convert to the Sunni faith. Those who refused to do so were subjected to physical assaults, coercion and death threats. "They are only accepted as Muslims if they profess the Sunni faith by force," Yaqub Yasna, a professor and member of the Afghan Ismaili community, told DW. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo Yasna himself was accused of blasphemy after the Taliban takeover of 2021 because he advocated enlightenment and tolerance in society. He was forced to step down from his position at his university and went into exile for fear of reprisals. Breeding ground for violence Yasna said that even before the Taliban's return to power, tolerance toward the Ismaili minority in Afghanistan was limited but that the political system had at least protected their civil rights. He said that under the Taliban, tolerance had continued to decline steadily. "When their rights are violated today, they don't know who they can turn to. Their children are forced to profess the Sunni faith," he explained. "Under Taliban rule, only one faith is considered legitimate. Anything that deviates from their interpretation of Islam is rejected and thus creates a breeding ground for violence against religious minorities. " Afghan human rights activist Abdullah Ahmadi confirmed there was increasing pressure on one of the last remaining religious minorities in Afghanistan. "We have received several reports showing that children from the Ismaili community are being forced to attend Sunni-run religious schools. If they refuse to do so, or do not attend classes regularly, their families have to pay heavy fines," he said. Ahmadi complained that the international community had responded only hesitantly to the human rights violations in his country. He called for targeted sanctions against Taliban officials, saying they "must be held accountable." Nowruz holiday declared 'un-Islamic' Historically, the country was a significant center of religious diversity, but there are very few members of non-Muslim communities left in Afghanistan today. The last members of the Jewish community left the country in September 2021. Those Christians who still live there tend to practice their faith in secret. And the Hazaras, another ethnic minority in Afghanistan who are predominantly Shiite, continue to be persecuted. The Taliban only accept one interpretation of religion and have banned certain rituals and festivals, including Nowruz, which marks the beginning of spring and a new year. They declared the holiday "un-Islamic" and said that nobody in Afghanistan should observe the celebration. Women's rights in decline The situation of all women is also getting worse, which means that half of society is subject to systematic oppression. According to the UNAMA report, girls continue to be "barred from participating in education beyond grade six" and there has been "no announcement made by the de facto authorities regarding the reopening of high schools and universities to girls and women." In the western city of Herat, the Taliban has confiscated several rickshaws and warned drivers not to transport women who were unaccompanied by a "mahram," a close male relative. Afghans deported from Iran Despite this disastrous situation, Afghans who fled to neighboring countries are being expelled en masse. According to the United Nations, around 110,000 people, including women and children, were forced to return in April. Large numbers of people are also being deported from Iran. "We live in fear of being deported to Afghanistan every day," Afghan journalist Marzia Rahimi told DW. "What am I supposed to do with my children there?" Rahimi said that only misery and terror awaited her in Afghanistan if she returned, explaining that she had left because she was unable to continue working as a journalist under Taliban rule and would not have been able to provide her daughter with an education. Most independent media outlets have been banned or placed under the control of the state. Journalists who criticize the regime risk being arrested and tortured. Under the Taliban, the country has also been plunged into an even more catastrophic socioeconomic crisis. Some 64% of the population of 41.5 million lives in poverty, according to the UN, with 50% dependent on humanitarian aid for survival and 14% suffering from acute hunger.
DW
18-05-2025
- Politics
- DW
Rights under constant attack in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan – DW – 05/18/2025
A UN report has found that the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, as well as all women, are under constant attack by the Taliban authorities. Amid many other global crises, the human rights situation in Afghanistan has been overshadowed in the international media. Millions of people continue to suffer from systemic rights violations under the Taliban-run government, a UN report has found. Tasked with assisting the people of Afghanistan, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) monitors the human rights situation in the country, issuing regular reports. In its latest update on the human rights situation in Afghanistan , UNAMA not only documented cases of gender-based violence and public floggings, but also the growing persecution of the Ismaili community. Ismailism is a branch of Shia Islam, while Sunni Islam is the dominant religion in Afghanistan. Most members of the Ismaili community live in the country's northern provinces, such as Badakhshan or Baghlan. In the former, there have been at least 50 cases of members of the Ismaili community being forced to convert to the Sunni faith. Those who refused to do so were subjected to physical assaults, coercion and death threats. "They are only accepted as Muslims if they profess the Sunni faith by force," Yaqub Yasna, a professor and member of the Afghan Ismaili community, told DW. Yasna himself was accused of blasphemy after the Taliban takeover of 2021 because he advocated enlightenment and tolerance in society. He was forced to step down from his position at his university and went into exile for fear of reprisals. 'Breeding ground for violence' Yasna said that even before the Taliban's return to power, tolerance toward the Ismaili minority in Afghanistan was limited but that the political system had at least protected their civil rights. He said that under the Taliban, tolerance had continued to decline steadily. "When their rights are violated today, they don't know who they can turn to. Their children are forced to profess the Sunni faith," he explained. "Under Taliban rule, only one faith is considered legitimate. Anything that deviates from their interpretation of Islam is rejected and thus creates a breeding ground for violence against religious minorities." Life for girls and women is becoming increasingly difficult in Afghanistan Image: OMER ABRAR/AFP Afghan human rights activist Abdullah Ahmadi confirmed there was increasing pressure on one of the last remaining religious minorities in Afghanistan. "We have received several reports showing that children from the Ismaili community are being forced to attend Sunni-run religious schools. If they refuse to do so, or do not attend classes regularly, their families have to pay heavy fines," he said. Ahmadi complained that the international community had responded only hesitantly to the human rights violations in his country. He called for targeted sanctions against Taliban officials, saying they "must be held accountable." Nowruz holiday declared 'un-Islamic' Historically, the country was a significant center of religious diversity, but there are very few members of non-Muslim communities left in Afghanistan today. The last members of the Jewish community left the country in September 2021. Those Christians who still live there tend to practice their faith in secret. And the Hazaras, another ethnic minority in Afghanistan who are predominantly Shiite, continue to be persecuted. The Taliban only accept one interpretation of religion and have banned certain rituals and festivals, including Nowruz, which marks the beginning of spring and a new year. They declared the holiday "un-Islamic" and said that nobody in Afghanistan should observe the celebration. Afghan girls are not allowed to attend secondary school Image: Ahmad Sahel Arman/AFP/Getty Images Women's rights in decline The situation of all women is also getting worse, which means that half of society is subject to systematic oppression. According to the UNAMA report, girls continue to be "barred from participating in education beyond grade six" and there has been "no announcement made by the de facto authorities regarding the reopening of high schools and universities to girls and women." In the western city of Herat, the Taliban has confiscated several rickshaws and warned drivers not to transport women who were unaccompanied by a "mahram," a close male relative. Hopes for safety in Germany are fading for Afghan refugees To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Afghans deported from Pakistan, Iran Despite this disastrous situation, Afghans who fled to neighboring countries are being expelled en masse. According to the United Nations, around 110,000 people, including women and children, were forced to return from Pakistan in April. Large numbers of people are also being deported from Iran. "We live in fear of being deported to Afghanistan every day," Afghan journalist Marzia Rahimi told DW. "What am I supposed to do with my children there?" Rahimi said that only misery and terror awaited her in Afghanistan if she returned, explaining that she had left because she was unable to continue working as a journalist under Taliban rule and would not have been able to provide her daughter with an education. Most independent media outlets have been banned or placed under the control of the state. Journalists who criticize the regime risk being arrested and tortured. Under the Taliban, the country has also been plunged into an even more catastrophic socioeconomic crisis. Some 64% of the population of 41.5 million lives in poverty, according to the UN, with 50% dependent on humanitarian aid for survival and 14% suffering from acute hunger. This article was originally written in German.
