Afghan FM Muttaqi’s Pakistan Visit Postponed Over Technical Issues

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The anticipated visit of Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, to Pakistan has been postponed, according to diplomatic sources in Kabul. The three-day visit, initially scheduled to begin on August 4, 2025, was delayed due to what have been described as “technical issues.” As of now, no new date has been confirmed for the rescheduled trip.

The visit was expected to include high-level meetings in Islamabad with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The two countries were set to discuss a range of topics, including bilateral trade, border management, and cooperation on regional infrastructure projects. The trip was arranged following Dar’s visit to Kabul in April 2025, during which he signed a framework agreement on the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project.

While Pakistani authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the delay, Afghan media outlets, including Afghanistan International and Amu TV, reported the postponement citing diplomatic sources. The delay has sparked speculation that administrative hurdles related to international travel sanctions may have played a role.

Mawlawi Muttaqi is listed under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1988, which imposes travel restrictions on certain Taliban officials. Although he has previously traveled abroad under temporary waivers granted by the UN sanctions committee, no confirmation has been provided on whether a new exemption was requested or denied in relation to this visit. The last officially recorded waiver for Muttaqi’s international travel expired in August 2022, and subsequent trips have required case-by-case approvals by host nations in coordination with the UN.

The postponement occurs at a time of sensitive relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Ongoing tensions over cross-border militancy, particularly involving the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), continue to strain bilateral ties. Pakistan has also faced international scrutiny over its policy of expelling undocumented Afghan nationals, further complicating diplomatic engagement.

Despite these challenges, both governments have reiterated the need for continued dialogue. Officials in Kabul and Islamabad indicated that efforts are underway to coordinate a new date for the visit once logistical issues are resolved. The outcome of the planned discussions remains important for regional connectivity and security cooperation between the two neighboring countries.