• Pakistan elevates its diplomatic mission in Afghanistan to ambassador status.
• This move signals a positive shift in bilateral relations between the two countries.
• Afghanistan reciprocates by upgrading its diplomatic status in Islamabad.
• Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's visit to Kabul precedes this diplomatic upgrade.
• China plays a mediating role in enhancing Pakistan-Afghanistan ties.

Pakistan has officially announced the elevation of its diplomatic mission in Kabul from Charge d’Affaires to the rank of Ambassador, a significant step in improving bilateral ties with Afghanistan. This upgrade was confirmed by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who indicated that relations are "on a positive trajectory" following his visit to Kabul in April 2025, during which he met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. This elevation is seen as a response to positive discussions and an effort to enhance cooperation in economic and security matters between the two countries, according to trtglobal and dawn.

In a reciprocal gesture, Afghanistan has announced that it will also upgrade its representation in Pakistan from chargé d’affaires to ambassador level. This decision, welcomed by the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signifies an intention to foster closer ties following years of tension, largely attributed to security concerns and cross-border issues. The announcement from Afghanistan followed Pakistan's decision, highlighting a commitment to bilateral cooperation, as reported by aljazeera and dawn.

The recent diplomatic shift comes after an informal trilateral meeting in Beijing involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, where officials discussed ways to improve diplomatic engagement. China has expressed its commitment to assist in strengthening Afghanistan-Pakistan relations. Following the Beijing talks, Dar emphasized this upgrade would promote dialogue and practical cooperation, and both countries agreed on key areas including trade and counterterrorism initiatives, according to aljazeera and indiatimes.

Despite the positive developments, underlying tensions remain due to border skirmishes and accusations from Pakistan regarding the use of Afghan territory by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for cross-border attacks. Kabul has consistently denied these allegations, arguing they are Pakistan's domestic issues. Nonetheless, the upgrade in diplomatic status is seen as a crucial move toward healing bilateral relations, as reported by trtglobal and dawn.