U.S. Blocks Taliban Foreign Minister’s Visit to Pakistan Amid Concerns Over Kabul-Beijing Ties

Kokcha News Agency: According to a report by Pakistan’s *Dawn* newspaper, the United States has halted the planned visit of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Pakistan. Muttaqi was scheduled to visit Pakistan on August 4 as part of recent efforts to improve relations between Kabul and Islamabad.

This initiative followed the recent visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, to Kabul, which was facilitated by China.

Citing diplomatic sources, *Dawn* reported that Muttaqi, who is under international sanctions, cannot travel abroad without receiving a special exemption from the UN sanctions committee. The U.S. reportedly delayed its decision until the last moment, refusing to approve a travel ban exemption for Muttaqi through the UN Security Council. This decision is said to have been influenced by growing concerns over the Taliban government’s increasing closeness to China.

However, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry did not confirm the direct involvement of the U.S. In a weekly press briefing, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, stated that “some procedural issues” are being addressed and that the official date for Muttaqi’s visit has not yet been confirmed. She added, “Once these procedural issues are resolved, we look forward to welcoming the Afghan Foreign Minister to Pakistan.”

The U.S. State Department, when asked by reporters whether the U.S. had blocked Muttaqi’s visit, responded, “We do not comment on rumors.”