Islamabad 29 July: Pakistan has no immediate plans to recognize Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said after concluding his U.S. visit.
While Islamabad maintains diplomatic engagement with Kabul, Dar clarified that formal recognition is not under consideration.
Despite Russia’s recent move to recognize the Taliban regime, Pakistan will stick to its current policy. However, both nations have upgraded their diplomatic missions from chargé d’affaires to ambassadors level.
Dar acknowledged Afghan cooperation in counterterrorism but warned of ongoing threats, particularly those allegedly backed by India. “India-sponsored terrorism remains a top concern,” he said. Pakistan has also resumed trilateral security talks with China and Afghanistan to address regional stability.
During his U.S. trip, Dar pushed for international attention on Kashmir and Palestine, calling the UN-OIC joint statement a diplomatic win. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution in Palestine and demanded accountability for Israeli actions.
On Kashmir, Dar told U.S. Senator Marco Rubio that peace in South Asia hinges on resolving the dispute per Kashmiri aspirations. He also warned India against violating the Indus Waters Treaty, stating any water blockage would be considered an “act of war.”
READ MORE: Dar Backs France-Saudi Initiative, Calls for Urgent Gaza Ceasefire
Economically, Dar said a Pakistani delegation will soon finalize trade talks in Washington. He also highlighted Pakistan’s vast mineral resources, valued between $6-8 trillion, pledging transparent development in the national interest.
