Sun Jul 06 07:13:05 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Despite Russia officially recognizing the Taliban government in Afghanistan, Pakistan remains hesitant to follow suit, prioritizing its national interests. While not ruling out future recognition, especially if other regional players move in that direction, Pakistan emphasizes its existing “de facto recognition” through robust engagement. Key concerns preventing official recognition include the presence of terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan. However, recent steps taken by the Taliban to address these concerns, particularly cracking down on Afghan nationals joining the TTP, are viewed positively. Diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan are improving, with a pending visit from the Afghan Interim Foreign Minister to Islamabad planned to further strengthen bilateral relations.
**News Article:**
**Pakistan Cautious on Taliban Recognition Despite Russia’s Move**
*Islamabad, Pakistan – July 6, 2025* – Pakistan is adopting a cautious approach to officially recognizing the Taliban government in Afghanistan, despite Russia becoming the first nation to do so. Pakistani officials stated that any decision will be made based on the country’s best interests, emphasizing that there is “no hurry” to formally recognize the Taliban’s rule.
This stance comes amidst improving diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Last month, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to upgrade their diplomatic ties following a trilateral meeting with China in Beijing. While formal ambassadorial appointments are in process, Pakistan acknowledged a “de facto recognition” through ongoing engagement with the Taliban-led Kabul.
A key sticking point for Pakistan remains the issue of terrorist sanctuaries within Afghanistan. However, recent measures taken by the Taliban, including a crackdown on Afghan nationals joining the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have been viewed favorably by Islamabad.
“We, of course, will take a decision keeping in view our interest,” a Pakistani official told The Express Tribune, adding that Pakistan’s decision could be influenced by the actions of other regional players.
Afghan Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to visit Islamabad later this month, where discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing security concerns. This visit follows a previous meeting in Kabul in April.
The evolving situation underscores the complex dynamics in the region, with Pakistan carefully weighing its strategic interests and security concerns in relation to the Taliban-led Afghanistan.
First Piper 