Pakistan, China plan to extend CPEC to Afghanistan, revive trilateral framework

Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday informed a Senate panel that preparations are in place to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan and to revive the Pakistan-China-Afghanistan trilateral framework.

According to a news report, the briefing was given to the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, which met in Islamabad to review Pakistan’s relations with China, evolving regional dynamics and economic diplomacy. The meeting was chaired by Senator Agha Shazaib Durrani and attended by members of the committee, along with senior officials of the Foreign Office led by the foreign secretary.

Officials said Pakistan and China continue to maintain an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, adding that strengthening ties with Beijing remains a central pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. They reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the One-China policy and its support for China on issues including Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, the South China Sea and human rights at bilateral and multilateral forums.

The committee was informed that China has consistently supported Pakistan on matters of sovereignty, territorial integrity, economic stability and counter-terrorism, including its role in Pakistan’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force grey list.

China’s position on the Kashmir dispute was also discussed, with officials noting that Beijing considers it an unresolved issue that should be settled peacefully in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.

During the discussion, the committee chair highlighted Pakistan’s role in easing regional tensions amid recent developments involving Iran, border-related issues and rising strains in the Gulf. He said Pakistan has been engaging diplomatically to facilitate dialogue and promote peaceful dispute resolution, adding that regional stability is closely linked to domestic security and economic prospects.

Officials said extending CPEC and reviving the trilateral framework with China and Afghanistan are aimed at strengthening regional connectivity, economic integration and cooperation amid changing geopolitical conditions.