Foreign Office officials have stated that Pakistan and China have decided to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan, describing the move as an important step toward enhancing regional connectivity.
According to the officials, relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are currently strained on a temporary basis, while China is actively making efforts to improve ties between the two neighboring countries.
During a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Office officials said that regional cooperation frameworks have failed to function effectively due to India’s role, adding that the SAARC forum has also remained inactive because of India. In this situation, Pakistan is focusing on strengthening engagement with other regional countries through alternative diplomatic channels.
Officials further said that China has serious concerns regarding terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and China shares a similar stance on the issue. They explained that the expansion of CPEC would link the Belt and Road corridors with the Maritime Silk Road, and Pakistan has formally decided to extend CPEC to Afghanistan. Although Pakistan-Afghanistan relations are currently facing temporary difficulties, China continues to play a role in facilitating improved relations between the two countries.
The Foreign Secretary informed the committee that Pakistan will not become part of any single global bloc and will continue to maintain its importance in international diplomacy through a balanced foreign policy. He said terrorism is a global threat faced by all nations, and joint military exercises are conducted to counter this challenge, primarily aimed at preventing the cross-border movement of terrorist organizations.
