Pakistani officials say they are in no hurry to recognize the Taliban rule in Afghanistan, emphasizing that any decision on formal recognition will be guided solely by national interest, following Russia’s recent move to do so.
Speaking to the Express Tribune, Pakistani officials described Moscow’s recognition of the Taliban as “unsurprising,” noting that Russia had long signaled its willingness to accept the Taliban as the political reality in Afghanistan.
While some observers believe Russia’s decision could pave the way for broader international acceptance of the Taliban, Islamabad has opted for a cautious approach. “We will take a decision based on our own interests, but there is no urgency,” a senior Pakistani official told the newspaper.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, offered a similarly measured response at a press briefing last week, stating that recognition is a matter between two sovereign nations. She added that Islamabad currently has no formal position on the matter.
However, she noted that Pakistan maintains strong “de facto engagement” with the Taliban authorities in Kabul.
Ties between the two countries have gradually improved in recent months, particularly following a trilateral meeting in Beijing involving the foreign ministers of Pakistan, China, and the Taliban-led administration. During the meeting, Kabul and Islamabad agreed to elevate diplomatic relations and work toward formal ambassadorial appointments, with China playing a key mediating role.
Still, one of the biggest obstacles to Pakistan formally recognizing the Taliban remains the issue of cross-border militancy. Islamabad has long accused the Taliban of harboring members of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group responsible for numerous attacks inside Pakistan.
According to Indian media outlet The Hindu, Pakistani officials have acknowledged recent efforts by the Taliban to curb TTP activity within Afghanistan, a development that could open the door to more substantive dialogue.
Diplomatic relations have also improved since Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Kabul earlier this year. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to make a reciprocal visit to Islamabad later this month, a trip initially delayed due to the recent military conflict between Iran and Israel.
During the upcoming visit, both sides are expected to discuss bilateral relations and follow-up on agreements reached during Dar’s April trip.
