Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan Vow Joint Action Against Terrorism

Ishaq Dar urges Kabul to act against TTP, BLA during Sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers Dialogue

KABUL: Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying collective efforts to curb terrorism and enhance regional stability. The pledge was made during the sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers Dialogue held in Kabul, attended by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, and China’s top diplomat Wang Yi.

Focus on Security, Trade, and Regional Connectivity

According to Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, discussions revolved around political, economic, and security cooperation. The three sides agreed to deepen collaboration in areas such as trade, transit, infrastructure development, health, education, culture, and anti-narcotics initiatives.

A key highlight of the dialogue was the shared support for extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, which is expected to improve regional connectivity and economic opportunities.

Pakistan Presses Kabul on Terror Groups

Earlier, during a separate meeting with Acting FM Muttaqi, Ishaq Dar urged the Taliban-led government to take “concrete and verifiable” action against terrorist organizations including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and its militant wing, the Majeed Brigade.

This demand came shortly after the United States designated the BLA and Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs), underscoring the global concern about their activities.

Dar emphasized that terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil have been responsible for the recent rise in attacks inside Pakistan. The Foreign Office highlighted that cross-border terrorism has sharply increased since 2021, with border provinces such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan witnessing the heaviest toll.

Surge in Terrorist Attacks Reported

Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) revealed that in July alone, Pakistan suffered 82 militant attacks, leaving 101 people dead and 150 injured. Among the victims were 47 civilians, 36 security officials, and 18 militants.

Although Pakistan saw a brief decline in militant violence in June, the trend surged again in July, pointing to the persistent threat of terrorism.

Diplomatic Progress Despite Security Concerns

Both Pakistan and Afghanistan welcomed the recent upgrade in diplomatic ties, with their representation elevated from chargé d’affaires to full ambassadors — a step first agreed during the trilateral dialogue in Beijing on May 21, 2025.

Officials also noted that most commitments made in previous engagements — including Dar’s earlier visits to Kabul in April and July this year — have either been fulfilled or are close to completion. These developments, according to the FO, have significantly improved bilateral relations, particularly in trade and transit cooperation.

Dar, while acknowledging positive progress in political and economic relations, cautioned that counter-terrorism cooperation still lags behind.

In response, Afghanistan’s Acting FM Muttaqi reassured Pakistan that Afghan territory would not be allowed to harbor terrorist groups targeting neighboring states.

The Pakistani Deputy PM also thanked Afghan officials for their hospitality and congratulated them on successfully organizing the trilateral dialogue.