Pakistan has reappointed veteran diplomat Mohammad Sadiq as its special envoy to Afghanistan, as announced by the foreign ministry. Sadiq, who served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Kabul from 2008 to 2014, retired in 2016 after his tenure as the secretary of the national security division. He had initially taken on the role of special envoy to Afghanistan but resigned in March 2023 after nearly three years.
His reappointment comes during a period of heightened tension between the two countries, particularly due to cross-border militant attacks. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring militants, calling on the Taliban to take action against armed factions using Afghan soil for attacks. However, the Taliban denies these accusations, stating that Pakistan’s security issues are internal matters.
In response to a rise in bombings, Pakistan began expelling illegal Afghan immigrants and refugees in November 2023, citing their involvement in criminal activities such as smuggling. The reappointment of Sadiq is seen as an attempt to address these strained relations and improve diplomatic communication between the two nations.
Sadiq’s vast diplomatic experience and familiarity with Afghanistan’s political landscape are expected to be valuable in navigating the complex bilateral relationship. His appointment also signals Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with its neighbor, despite the ongoing challenges.
The Pakistani government continues to emphasize the importance of resolving these tensions to foster regional stability and cooperation, especially as both countries face security threats from militant groups operating along the border. Sadiq’s role will be crucial in advancing these objectives.
