China to Extend CPEC to Kabul Following Pakistan’s Request
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced a significant diplomatic breakthrough, revealing that China has agreed to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to include Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul. Speaking at a press conference, Dar credited Pakistan’s strategic diplomatic campaign for this achievement, emphasizing how recent high-level visits and coordination with allies have countered Indian narratives and reinforced Islamabad’s global standing.
Highlighting a global outreach that spanned from Turkiye to the US, Dar stated that Pakistan’s leadership played a pivotal role in defending the country’s sovereignty against disinformation. He noted that visits to China, Iran, and Tajikistan, as well as engagements with Western allies, were crucial in garnering support and exposing what he described as India’s false claims about military strikes and downed aircraft.
Pakistan’s diplomatic moves, including the proposal for an independent probe into the Pahalgam incident, received swift and positive responses—especially from China. Dar underscored that India’s efforts to isolate Pakistan diplomatically had backfired, and instead, Islamabad emerged with enhanced credibility and backing from the international community.
P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor
Support from Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and other Islamic nations was described as a show of “brotherhood,” with public demonstrations and bilateral cooperation strengthening Pakistan’s position. President Erdogan’s visit and the reactivation of the joint commission with Turkiye signaled deepening diplomatic and economic collaboration.
Dar’s most significant revelation was that CPEC would be extended to Kabul upon Pakistan’s proposal. The Peshawar-Kabul highway is now part of a framework aimed at improving regional connectivity. Afghanistan’s interest in using this route to access Central Asia marks a major development in trade and transit diplomacy. Pakistan also plans to actively engage in the upcoming Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit to further regional integration.
Addressing concerns about Russia, Dar clarified that Pakistan had not ignored the strategic partner. Veteran diplomat Tariq Fatemi had been tasked with managing the Russia desk, engaging in productive discussions with Russian officials. Moreover, Pakistan and Iran have signed agreements worth up to $10 billion focused on mutual trade, peace, and counter-terrorism.
Dar praised the rare political consensus achieved in Pakistan over a unified national security policy. According to him, all political parties contributed to a common draft, showcasing a united front to the world. He concluded by stressing that Pakistan prefers peace but stands ready to defend its interests both militarily and diplomatically.