U.S. Blocks Amir Khan Muttaqi’s Visit to Pakistan, Says Pakistani Media

Pakistani media report that the U.S. blocked Amir Khan Muttaqi’s planned visit to Pakistan by denying a travel exemption, delaying ongoing diplomatic efforts between Islamabad and Kabul.

The United States blocked a planned visit by Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Pakistan, according to Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper. Diplomatic sources said Washington initially delayed and eventually denied the travel exemption required for the trip.

Muttaqi had been scheduled to visit Islamabad last week, but the trip was abruptly cancelled. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry publicly attributed the cancellation to “procedural issues,” with spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan assuring that efforts were underway to resolve the matter.

He told the media that no official date had been set for Muttaqi’s visit; therefore, the question of cancellation or postponement did not arise.

Diplomatic sources told Dawn newspaper that, because the Taliban foreign minister is under international sanctions, he requires special approval from the UN sanctions committee for any foreign travel. They said Washington delayed its decision until the last moment and ultimately refused to grant the exemption, stopping the visit.

It is reported that Amir Khan Muttaqi had been scheduled to travel to Islamabad on August 4 to discuss bilateral relations with Pakistani officials.

Pakistani diplomat Amjad said both countries hope Muttaqi can visit next month, describing the situation as “slow but steady progress” in bilateral relations.

The U.S. remains opposed to recognizing the Taliban government, citing human rights abuses, particularly against women, while Russia formally recognized the group in July. Analysts warn that Washington’s stance could complicate Pakistan’s China-backed efforts to stabilize ties with Kabul while addressing its own security concerns.

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