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U.S. Blocks Taliban Foreign Minister’s Pakistan Visit After Withholding UN Waiver

The State Department’s last-minute refusal to grant a UN travel exemption reflects U.S. unease over the Taliban’s growing China ties.

US decision is believed to have been influenced by concerns over the Taliban government's growing closeness with China.
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Overview

  • Under UN Security Council Resolution 1988, Amir Khan Muttaqi remains subject to a travel ban requiring a special committee exemption for any foreign trip.
  • U.S. diplomats delayed their decision until the final hours before rejecting the waiver for a planned August 4 visit to Pakistan.
  • Pakistan’s Foreign Office attributed the trip’s cancellation to procedural hurdles and has not announced new dates for the meeting.
  • In late July, China facilitated Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Kabul as part of efforts to deepen Afghanistan–Pakistan engagement.
  • Washington’s stance in the UN sanctions committee contrasts with China and Russia, which have advocated more lenient travel exemptions for Taliban officials.