The year 2025 is being considered the year of active diplomacy. Since January, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively engaged in a series of diplomatic activities. Because, these diplomatic engagements and initiatives are crucial in today’s changing security dynamics.And this Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of China, Pakistan and Afghanistan also highlight efforts of China, Pakistan and Afghanistan to strengthen security, connectivity, and cooperationfor a peaceful and stable future.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Kabulon August 20, to attend the 6th Trilateral meeting of Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, China and Afghanistan. He was accompanied by Special Assistant to Prime Minister and Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Office (FO) issued a press release on August 20,and mentioned that during the meeting, they discussed avenues for enhancing cooperation between the three countries especially in trade, regional connectivity and counter terrorism. They noted positive movement in political and economic ties and reaffirmed commitment to working closely on counter-terrorism and ensured peace and stability in the region.
Besides,DPM/FM Daralso held a bilateral meeting with the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, and both ministers expressed satisfaction with the positive course of bilateral relations between their countries. They welcomed the recent upgrade of diplomatic representation between the two countries from Chargé d’Affaires to Ambassadorial level, as agreed during the trilateral meeting in Beijing,on 21 May 2025.
In light of recent engagements, including the DPM/FMDar visits to Afghanistan on 19 April, 17 July 2025, as well as the Beijing meeting on 21 May 2025, the ministers appreciated that most decisions from these interactions have either been implemented or are close to completion. These efforts have significantly strengthened Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, particularly in the areas of trade and transit.
FO stated that the DPM/FM Dar acknowledged the hopeful progress in political and commercial ties and also expressed progress in the security domain, especially in counter-terrorism. He highlighted a recent rise in terrorist attacks inside Pakistan perpetrated by groups operating from Afghan soil and urged the Afghan authorities to take tangible and provable measures against entities such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)/Majeed Brigade.
In response, the Afghan Acting Foreign Minister reaffirmed Afghanistan’s commitment that its soil will not be allowed to be used by terrorist groups against Pakistan or other nations.The DPM/FMextended his gratitude to the Afghan authorities for their warm hospitality and congratulated them on successfully hosting the 6th Trilateral Dialogue.
In the 6th Trilateral Dialogue, the three states analysed that deeper collaboration in the political, economic and security domains could promote stability and peace in South Asia.These meetings are continuation of the previous trilateral meeting held in Beijing between DPM/FM Ishaq Dar, Chinese FM Wang Yi, and Acting FM of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi.
During the last meeting held on May 21, 2025, the three sides reaffirmed trilateral cooperation as a vital platform to promote regional security and economic connectivity.The ministersexchanged views on enhancing diplomatic engagement, strengthening communications, and taking practical steps to boost trade, infrastructure, and development as key drivers of shared prosperity.They also agreed to deepen Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation and extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.
Similarly, in this trilateral meeting as per Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Mr. Wang stated that China is interested in Afghanistan’s formal participation in the BRI and expressed readiness to expand cooperation with Afghan institutions in mining exploration & extraction, indicating China’s intention to commence practical mining operations this year.He assured that China would continue its political and economic support for Afghanistan and would work to remove obstacles facing Afghan agricultural products & other exports.It was firmly believed that in the evolving nature of regional and international security, trilateral cooperation is vital to promote regional security and economic connectivity.
In recent months, the security situation in South Asia has appeared increasingly fragile, particularly along the border regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and India, where mistrust and competing interests continue to fuel tensions. Instability in Afghanistan, cross-border militancy, and India’s aggressiveattitudes have complicated the regional security landscape. It left space for misunderstandings and conflict. In this environment, trilateral dialogue among Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan holds significant potential.
By promoting cooperation on counterterrorism, connectivity, and economic development, such engagements can help reduce mistrust, build confidence, and create pathways for peace, prosperity, and stability across the region.
