Pakistan Endorses CPEC Extension to Afghanistan as Step Toward Regional Unity

ISTANBUL – In a significant development for regional integration, Pakistan has welcomed the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on the sidelines of an event in Istanbul on Sunday.

Senator Dar described the extension as a “positive development for regional connectivity,” reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to deepening trilateral cooperation with China and Afghanistan.

The move comes amid an agreement between China, Pakistan, and the Taliban interim government to formally extend CPEC into Afghan territory—an initiative expected to enhance infrastructure development, trade routes, and economic cooperation among the three neighbors.

A flagship component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), CPEC has already delivered major energy, transport, and connectivity projects across Pakistan. Its expansion into Afghanistan signals a new phase of economic collaboration aimed at unlocking Afghanistan’s trade potential and facilitating regional integration.

Despite ongoing tensions and border issues, all three sides expressed readiness to restore full diplomatic ties, including the exchange of ambassadors in the near future.

The Taliban, who returned to power in 2021, have consistently shown interest in fostering closer ties with both Beijing and Islamabad. They view participation in regional projects like CPEC as an opportunity to revive Afghanistan’s economy and integrate it into broader Asian trade and development frameworks.

Experts believe the extension of CPEC to Afghanistan could become a strategic game-changer—bringing long-term economic benefits while also stabilizing regional geopolitics, provided that security and diplomatic challenges are addressed.