The chargés d'affaires of Afghanistan’s embassy in Islamabad, Sardar Ahmad Shakib, on Sunday said his office has maintained relations with diplomatic offices of at least 27 countries in Pakistan. 

Shakib said he has held at least 70 meetings with representatives of various countries in Islamabad.

“There were 65 to 70 face-to-face meetings. They come here and we also went there and discussed Afghanistan’s reconstruction with them. We convey our message of improving relations with them,” he said. 

Shakib acknowledged that there are some problems in the recognition of the Islamic Emirate by other countries, but he did not provide details in this regard. 

Analysts said that Afghan diplomatic missions abroad can play a crucial role in the improvement of Islamic Emirate’s relations with other countries. 

“Pakistan can be a good source of lobbying at the international level for the recognition of Afghanistan and the improvement of relations,” said Aziz Maarij, a former diplomat. 

The chargés d'affaires of Afghanistan’s embassy in Islamabad also criticized the existence of corruption in the issuance of Pakistani visas to Afghans.

“They either don’t issue visas or make the conditions very tough. The people are being forced to contact some individuals and pay them $1,500 to $2,000,” Shakib said who was appointed to the post in October 2021. 

The government of Pakistan has then announced that Shakib’s appointment does not reflect the recognition of the Islamic Emirate’s administration in Kabul.