ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan has officially endorsed the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, marking a key step towards enhanced regional connectivity and economic collaboration. This development was announced during a trilateral meeting held in Istanbul involving Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan’s interim government.
Trilateral Agreement Strengthens Cooperation
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met on the sidelines of the event, where they agreed on extending CPEC into Afghan territory. Senator Dar described the expansion as a “positive development for regional connectivity,” reaffirming Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening trilateral ties with China and Afghanistan.
The agreement signals a commitment to restore full diplomatic relations, including the exchange of ambassadors, aiming to deepen cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative framework.
CPEC’s Expansion: A New Phase of Economic Integration
As a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), CPEC has driven significant progress in Pakistan’s energy, transport, and infrastructure sectors. Extending this corridor to Afghanistan aims to boost trade routes and infrastructure development, unlocking Afghanistan’s economic potential and facilitating greater regional integration.
Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban interim government has expressed interest in participating in projects like CPEC to rejuvenate Afghanistan’s economy and link it more closely with broader Asian markets.
Potential for Regional Stability and Economic Growth
Experts view the CPEC extension as a strategic opportunity that could yield long-term economic benefits and contribute to regional stability. However, they emphasize the importance of addressing ongoing security and diplomatic challenges to realize these goals effectively.
The trilateral initiative represents a hopeful step toward uniting neighboring countries through enhanced economic cooperation and connectivity.
