*Kabul:* A high-level trilateral conference between China, Pakistan, andAfghanistan will be held in Kabul, focusing on political, economic, andregional cooperation. This marks the seventh round of such talks,considered crucial for promoting peace and stability in the region.
Pakistan remains at the center of this framework, ensuring continuity onmatters of security, connectivity, and humanitarian issues, while China hasplayed a balancing role—particularly in easing tensions between Islamabadand the Afghan interim government.
One of the key highlights of the Kabul meeting will be the strengthening ofAfghanistan’s integration into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),an initiative that was first agreed in principle in May 2025. Afghanistan’sinclusion in CPEC reflects Pakistan’s strategic vision of transforming thecountry from isolation into a bridge between South Asia and Central Asia.
Through enhanced connectivity routes, access to Gwadar Port, and energyprojects, the initiative promises shared prosperity for the region.Afghanistan’s participation in CPEC is expected to boost employment, trade,and infrastructure development, helping to reduce its isolation and weakenthe roots of terrorism.
For the Taliban government, CPEC connectivity offers both political andeconomic support at a time when it continues to face internationalsanctions and diplomatic isolation.
For Pakistan, the talks represent responsible diplomacy by integratingAfghanistan into regional economic frameworks while simultaneouslyaddressing border security challenges. Counterterrorism cooperation is atthe core of the agenda, with all three nations reaffirming a joint stanceagainst militant groups including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), theEast Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and ISIS-K, while pledging toresist external interference.
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This united front highlights that the trilateral dialogue is not merelysymbolic but a functional platform for enhanced security cooperation. Thepresence of TTP sanctuaries, ISIS-K activities, and Al-Qaeda’s footprintremain key concerns on the agenda, alongside ensuring the protection ofChinese nationals and CPEC projects.
For China, terrorism in Afghanistan poses risks not only to its strategicprojects but also to the security of its Uyghur community. Pakistan sharesthese concerns, making trilateral security cooperation highly significant.
This trilateral framework has emerged as a mutually beneficial mechanism:Pakistan acting as a bridge, China providing balance, and Afghanistanstepping forward as a partner in connectivity.