By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
Trilateral Foreign Ministers Dialogue in Kabul
Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan reiterated their shared determination to intensify cooperation against terrorism during the sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers Dialogue, which took place in Kabul. The high-level meeting brought together Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, the discussions covered a wide range of issues, including political, economic, and security collaboration. The dialogue underscored the collective resolve of the three countries to foster deeper engagement in areas such as trade, transit, regional connectivity, education, health, cultural exchange, and combating drug trafficking. Importantly, the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan was also emphasized as a crucial step toward regional development.
Pakistan’s Concerns Over Terrorist Groups
During bilateral interactions on the sidelines of the trilateral meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar urged Kabul to adopt concrete and verifiable measures against militant outfits such as the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and its faction, the Majeed Brigade. These groups have been linked to a surge in cross-border terrorism that has plagued Pakistan’s northwestern and southwestern provinces.
The demand coincides with the United States recently designating the BLA and the Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs), reinforcing Pakistan’s concerns about their growing threat. Islamabad has repeatedly expressed frustration over the use of Afghan soil by such groups to launch attacks on Pakistani territory.
Rising Trend of Terror Attacks in Pakistan
Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) highlights the gravity of the security situation. The think tank reported 82 militant attacks in July 2025 alone, resulting in 101 deaths and 150 injuries. Victims included 47 civilians, 36 security personnel, and 18 militants. This figure marked an increase compared to the previous month, reflecting the persistent challenge Pakistan faces in curbing violence along its borders with Afghanistan.
The Foreign Office spokesperson noted that Pakistan has endured a steady rise in cross-border terrorism since 2021, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The escalation has placed renewed urgency on Islamabad’s calls for stronger counterterrorism cooperation with Kabul.
Diplomatic Progress and Regional Cooperation
Despite ongoing security concerns, the trilateral talks highlighted encouraging developments in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Both foreign ministers expressed satisfaction over the elevation of diplomatic representation between the two countries from chargé d’Affaires to ambassadorial level. This step, initially agreed upon during the trilateral meeting in Beijing on 21 May 2025, reflects a mutual desire to build more stable and structured diplomatic ties.
The ministers also acknowledged progress made following previous high-level visits, including Ishaq Dar’s trips to Kabul in April and July 2025. According to the Foreign Office statement, many of the decisions from these engagements have been successfully implemented or are close to completion. These advancements have particularly strengthened bilateral trade and transit cooperation.
Balancing Security and Development
During the discussions, Ishaq Dar recognized the positive trajectory of political and commercial relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, he stressed that progress in the security domain, especially in counterterrorism measures, has not matched advancements in other sectors. This lag, he emphasized, must be addressed to ensure regional peace and stability.
For its part, Afghanistan reaffirmed its commitment to preventing the use of its soil by terrorist organizations against Pakistan or any other country. Acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi assured Islamabad that Kabul seeks cooperative approaches to resolving security challenges.
The meeting also reflected China’s active role in promoting stability and connectivity in the region. With its growing economic footprint, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing views trilateral cooperation as essential to safeguarding investments and ensuring broader regional development.
Recognition of Afghanistan’s Role
The Pakistani delegation expressed gratitude to Afghan authorities for their warm hospitality and commended their successful hosting of the trilateral dialogue. The gesture underscored Islamabad’s intent to maintain constructive engagement with Kabul, even as pressing security issues remain at the forefront of discussions.
By reaffirming their shared objectives, the three nations signaled a willingness to move forward on the pillars of security, economic integration, and regional connectivity—while also confronting the complex threat of terrorism that continues to challenge regional stability.