Maldivian ambassador to Pakistan, Mohamed Thoha, returns to post after controversy over meeting with Taliban envoy

Maldivian Ambassador to Pakistan, Mohamed Thoha, who was recalled to the Maldives last year following a controversial meeting with the Taliban-appointed envoy to Pakistan, has returned to his post.

The return was confirmed via a post on the X account of the Maldives High Commission in Pakistan, which stated that Ambassador Thoha met with Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Pakistan, Atadjan Movlamov, at the High Commission's office today.

Thoha was recalled to the Maldives in November last year over the meeting. His return to Pakistan comes approximately one year later.

On October 27 of last year, Thoha, the Maldivian Ambassador to Pakistan, met with Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, the Taliban-appointed Afghan envoy, prompting speculation about the Maldives' recognition of the Taliban government.  

The Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently stated that this meeting was unauthorized and that disciplinary measures were taken against Thoha. They emphasized that the Maldives follows United Nations principles regarding the recognition of foreign governments, confirming that it recognizes the party representing Afghanistan at the UN as the legitimate government.  

Despite the Taliban's takeover in August 2021 following the withdrawal of US and British forces, it remains unrecognized by most countries and international organizations.

Prior to being appointed as the Maldivian Ambassador to Pakistan, Thoha was initially designated as the Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Although the People's Majlis had given consent for him to be appointed as the Saudi Ambassador, the Maldivian government decided to transfer him to Pakistan without stating a reason.

Thoha presented his credentials to Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari on August 14th of last year.