Issue Brief on “Pakistan-Afghanistan: Resetting Ties”

On 23 March 2025, Pakistan's Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, embarked on a three-day visit to Kabul, aimed at de-escalating tensions and strengthening bilateral relations by addressing key ongoing challenges. During his visit, Ambassador Sadiq held productive discussions with Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Acting Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi. [1] Both sides expressed a commitment to continue diplomatic engagement and work together to tackle critical issues such as trade, security, and the status of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.[2]

A significant outcome of the meetings was willingness on the part of both sides to address bilateral concerns including by holding a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting, scheduled to take place in Kabul before April 15, 2025.[3] Another positive development was the reopening of the Torkham border crossing on 22 March 2025, after a 27-day closure.[4] The border had been closed due to a dispute triggered by Kabul's construction of a post in a contested area, which led to armed clashes. Its reopening marks a hopeful step toward restoring normalcy and improving relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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