Editorial
The visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Kabul for the 6th Trilateral Meeting with Afghanistan and China underscores a critical regional reality: Pakistan and Afghanistan cannot afford strained relations. As immediate neighbors sharing culture, trade routes, and security challenges, the future stability and prosperity of both states depends on a functional partnership.
Pakistan has consistently emphasized the importance of regional connectivity, and Afghanistan is a natural gateway linking Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. By cooperating in infrastructure development, extending CPEC to Afghanistan, and strengthening trade routes, both countries stand to unlock vast economic potential. Stability in Afghanistan directly translates into economic security for Pakistan, particularly through the promotion of cross-border trade and energy corridors.
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Equally significant is the domain of counter-terrorism. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have suffered from extremist violence, with porous borders enabling the movement of militant networks. A functional relationship based on intelligence sharing, security coordination, and border management is not just beneficial but essential for long-term peace. Without collaboration, both states remain vulnerable to cycles of violence and instability that undermine governance and economic growth.
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Diplomatic engagement also helps reduce mistrust. The inclusion of China in the trilateral framework signals a broader regional push for cooperation, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative. By embedding Afghanistan into such projects, Pakistan can ensure that its western neighbor does not remain isolated but becomes a stakeholder in regional stability. This integration has the potential to transform Afghanistan from a zone of conflict into a hub of opportunity.
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In essence, Pakistan and Afghanistan must recognize that their destinies are intertwined. Economic interdependence, shared security concerns, and regional connectivity demand structured, consistent, and functional relations. The stakes are simply too high for either country to ignore this imperative.
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