Maldives’ Ambassador to Pakistan Mohamed Thoha has returned to Islamabad a year after being recalled to Male' over his meeting with Afghanistan’s envoy to Pakistan.  
Presidential Spokesperson Heena Waleed confirmed that Thoha arrived in Maldives on November 11 last year for Foreign Ministry purposes and returned to Pakistan on November 16 this year after completing his visit.  
Thoha, previously ambassador to Saudi Arabia, was transferred to Pakistan on June 30, 2024. He was recalled after meeting Afghan envoy Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb without government authorization. Foreign media reported the two discussed strengthening bilateral relations.  
Maldivian ambassador to Pakistan, Mohamed Thoha (CL) meets with Afghan ambassador to Pakistan Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb (CR) on November 2, 2024.
The government announced on November 3, 2024, that action had been taken against Thoha, though it did not specify the measure.  
Maldives does not officially recognize Taliban rule in Afghanistan. The Foreign Ministry has reiterated that recognition of governments follows UN standards, and therefore Maldives recognizes Afghanistan’s representative at the United Nations.