Pakistan, China, Afghanistan Pledge Stronger Joint Efforts Against Terrorism in Kabul
Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen joint efforts against terrorism while also deepening cooperation in trade, transit, and regional development during the Sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue held in Kabul. The high-level meeting brought together Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, China’s Foreign Minister, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, with a sharp focus on enhancing political, economic, and security ties among the three neighbors.
In a joint statement released by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the three sides reiterated their pledge to intensify counterterrorism cooperation and prevent their territories from being exploited by extremist groups. The ministers also agreed to expand collaboration in areas including trade, transit, education, culture, health, drug control, and most notably, the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, which could reshape regional connectivity and economic integration.
On the sidelines of the trilateral dialogue, Ishaq Dar held a separate bilateral meeting with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum in bilateral relations and welcomed the recent move to upgrade diplomatic representation between Pakistan and Afghanistan from Chargé d’Affaires to Ambassadorial level, a development that was first discussed at the Trilateral Meeting in Beijing on May 21, 2025.
The two ministers reviewed the progress achieved during recent high-level engagements, including Dar’s visits to Kabul in April and July this year, as well as the trilateral talks in Beijing. They noted that many of the agreed initiatives in trade and transit were either already implemented or close to completion, reflecting growing mutual understanding between the two sides.
However, Ishaq Dar voiced concern over the slow pace of progress in security cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism. He raised Pakistan’s apprehensions regarding the surge in recent terrorist incidents, which he said were being carried out by groups operating from Afghan soil. Dar urged Kabul to take concrete and verifiable steps against militant outfits such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)/Majeed Brigade, both of which have been responsible for multiple attacks inside Pakistan.
In response, Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister assured that Afghan territory would not be allowed to be used against Pakistan or any other country by terrorist organizations. He reaffirmed Kabul’s commitment to maintaining regional peace and stability.
The trilateral dialogue ended on a note of optimism, with Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan recognizing the importance of collective security measures and economic cooperation in ensuring lasting peace and prosperity in the region. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar extended gratitude to Afghan authorities for their hospitality and congratulated them for successfully hosting the sixth round of talks, while all three nations reaffirmed their resolve to stand united against terrorism and promote mutual development.
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