Pakistan-Afghanistan-China Trilateral — During the sixth trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Kabul, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar pressed the Taliban government to take decisive, verifiable action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.
At the sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue held in Kabul on August 20, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Pakistan-Afghanistan-China Trilateral alongside Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, reaffirmed a shared resolve to deepen political, economic, and security cooperation among the three nations. Geo NewsThe News International
Amid discussions on expanding CPEC to Afghanistan and in areas such as trade, transit, healthcare, education, culture, and anti-narcotics efforts, DPM Dar emphasized the urgent need for concrete and verifiable measures by the Afghan authorities against militant groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and the Majeed Brigade. Geo NewsThe News International
The appeal follows the recent U.S. designation of both the BLA and its faction, Pakistan-Afghanistan-China Trilateral the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs). Dar highlighted a troubling rise in cross-border terror attacks in Pakistan originating from Afghan soil, particularly affecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Geo News+1The News International
According to a security report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), July saw a resurgence of militant attacks—82 incidents in total—resulting in 101 deaths (including 47 civilians and 36 security personnel) and 150 injuries nationwide. Geo NewsThe News International
Despite concerns on the security front, both ministers expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of their bilateral relations. They applauded the elevation of diplomatic ties from chargé d’affaires to ambassadorial level, as agreed in the May summit in Beijing. Geo News+1The News International
Reflecting on recent high-level visits—including Dar’s trips to Kabul in April and July, and the Beijing meeting in May—both governments noted that most agreed-upon measures are already being implemented or nearing completion, significantly boosting Pakistan-Afghanistan-China Trilatera lcollaboration in trade and transit. Geo NewsThe News International
Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister reiterated Kabul’s commitment to ensure its territory is not used by militants targeting Pakistan or other countries. Dar concluded by expressing gratitude for Afghanistan’s warm hospitality in hosting the dialogue. Geo News+1The News International
