Pakistan has recently come under criticism from both the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan and China during the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue held in Islamabad. This meeting saw the Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and the Taliban-appointed Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi, meet with Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to discuss issues of mutual interest.
The meeting between the three nations was highly significant, as it highlighted the continued diplomatic relations between the countries, despite ongoing political and security challenges in the region. However, the criticisms leveled at Pakistan by both Afghanistan and China have raised concerns over the country’s ability to effectively manage its foreign policy and regional security issues.
During the meeting, the Chinese Foreign Minister expressed his concern over the security of projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as well as the safety of Chinese nationals residing in Pakistan. These concerns come in the backdrop of continued Chinese investment in Pakistan through the CPEC, which has been a major cause for concern among many international experts who believe that the project could push Pakistan into a debt trap, threatening the country’s sovereignty.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a project that aims to develop infrastructure and trade routes across the world. While the project has the potential to bring about significant economic benefits, there are concerns that it could also lead to a rise in China’s influence in the region and undermine the sovereignty of the countries it passes through.
The Chinese Foreign Minister also conveyed Beijing’s message to the Pakistani army leadership on military outposts in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of enhancing security measures in the region. Pakistan’s General Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the China-Pakistan strategic relationship and also pledged full support for the CPEC project.
However, despite Pakistan’s assurances, the criticisms by China and Afghanistan have raised serious questions about the country’s ability to manage regional security challenges effectively. Pakistan is currently facing a wave of terrorism due to the Pakistan Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which continues to carry out deadly attacks on civilians and the country’s security establishment.
The TTP has also been responsible for several attacks in Afghanistan, raising concerns over the group’s links with the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan. Despite the Taliban government playing a crucial role in brokering peace talks between both sides and helping implement a ceasefire, the TTP continues to operate with impunity, leading to concerns over the group’s motives and objectives.
The Pakistani security establishment and political leadership are unable to figure out why the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan is not reining in their Pakistan unit. General Munir has emphasized the need for both “brotherly neighbors” to tackle “common challenges of terrorism and extremism.”
In addition to concerns over terrorism, Pakistan is also facing a range of other challenges related to regional security and border management. During the meeting between General Munir and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, both leaders discussed the need to formalize bilateral security mechanisms to improve the current security environment.
The meeting between the three nations highlighted the importance of continued diplomatic relations and cooperation in the region. However, it also highlighted the challenges facing Pakistan in managing its foreign policy and regional security issues effectively.
In conclusion, the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue held in Islamabad was a significant event that brought together three nations with close diplomatic ties. However, the criticisms leveled at Pakistan by China and Afghanistan have raised serious concerns about the country’s ability to manage regional security issues effectively. It is clear that Pakistan needs to take proactive measures to address these concerns and work with its neighbors to tackle common challenges of terrorism and extremism.
