Tehran- IRAF- The Pakistani Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee discussed new plans for expanding regional cooperation during its session on Saturday, January 31, 2025.
Pakistani officials stated that their country and China intend to extend the CPEC to Afghanistan and revive the trilateral cooperation framework between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan. They believe that this expansion and revival of trilateral talks will lead to improved regional connectivity, increased economic cooperation, and enhanced stability in South Asia and Central Asia.
Preparations for implementing this plan are underway, and Pakistan is closely coordinating with China and Afghanistan to finalize a joint roadmap.
This move occurs amidst regional geopolitical changes, and Pakistan aims to secure its economic interests while promoting peace and cooperation with neighboring countries. Pakistani senators believe that such initiatives can boost domestic economic growth and enhance regional security.
Pakistan’s Role in Regional Peace and Emphasis on Strategic Relations with China
The session emphasized that strengthening relations with China remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. They reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the “One China” policy and appreciated China’s support in areas such as national sovereignty, counter-terrorism, and economic stability.
The meeting also highlighted China’s consistent support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and its positive role in helping Islamabad exit the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list.
Furthermore, the Pakistani Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee emphasized Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace, particularly with Iran and Gulf countries.
Afghanistan, as a transit country connecting North and South Central Asia, holds greater significance for its neighbors.
If China and Pakistan are determined to include Afghanistan in the CPEC, it could lead to an upgrade of Afghanistan’s infrastructure, which Kabul alone cannot accomplish.
However, recent political tensions and security conflicts between the Taliban and Pakistan have resulted in closed trade borders and a complete suspension of trade between the two countries, causing significant financial losses for both economies.
Previously, the Chinese embassy in Kabul issued a fresh security warning, urging Chinese citizens and companies to leave the provinces of Takhar and Badakhshan as soon as possible, following two deadly attacks against Chinese nationals in the past month, which resulted in the deaths of five people in border areas.
Continued insecurity could directly impact China’s economic projects in Central Asia and the Belt and Road Initiative.
