CPEC Expansion to Afghanistan Vital for Regional Stability: Experts

LAHORE: At a seminar hosted by Beaconhouse National University (BNU) in Lahore, experts urged Pakistan to take concrete steps toward extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.

The seminar, titled “Regional Connectivity – BRI and CPEC Extension to Afghanistan and Beyond,” gathered eminent speakers and audiences from four Lahore universities to discuss regional connectivity and economic integration.

The seminar included remarks from Ambassador Asif Durrani, former Minister of Investment Haroon Sharif, ex-Governor of the State Bank Dr. Ishrat Hussain, former Afghan Deputy Speaker Mirwais Yasini, and former National Security Adviser Lt. General Nasir Khan Janjua. Prof. Tang Jun from Inner Mongolia University in China also delivered remarks online. The event was organized by Mansoor Ahmad Khan, former Ambassador to Afghanistan and BNU’s Center for Policy Research Director.

Speakers explored opportunities for economic linkages through CPEC’s potential extension to Afghanistan, emphasizing regional benefits in infrastructure, energy, and trade connectivity. While supporting the idea, they also discussed the considerable challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, especially from the U.S.-China rivalry and India’s opposition to CPEC and BRI initiatives.

Ambassador Durrani highlighted the notable progress made by CPEC in the past decade through significant Chinese investments but acknowledged impediments in extending CPEC to Afghanistan, including security concerns under the Taliban regime and strained regional relations. Mirwais Yasini emphasized that for Afghanistan, CPEC could drive job creation and utilize resources, like lithium, to boost technology and industry, provided security is maintained.

Haroon Sharif noted that connectivity should lead to tangible economic benefits for the people, stressing the potential economic advantages of connecting Pakistan with neighboring markets. Dr. Ishrat Hussain suggested that mutual security arrangements between China and Pakistan could enhance CPEC’s progress, given recent security incidents.

Following the speeches, an interactive session saw researchers and students critiquing the government’s approach to CPEC challenges and calling for more inclusive, representative policies. Participants appreciated the seminar’s open discussions on key regional policies and the need to involve youth in shaping Pakistan’s economic future.