By Uzma Ehtasham
Pakistan and China have delivered a rare, coordinated message to the Afghan Taliban, demanding clear and verifiable action against all militant organizations operating from Afghan soil and insisting that Afghan territory must not be used against neighboring states. The message, framed in the language of zero tolerance for terrorism, was embedded in the joint communiqué issued at the conclusion of the seventh round of Pakistan–China foreign ministers’ strategic dialogue. It was not merely diplomatic boilerplate. It reflected a deepening regional anxiety that Afghanistan, once again, is drifting towards becoming a permissive environment for militancy, with consequences that extend far beyond its borders.
The two countries agreed to maintain close coordination on Afghan affairs and to work with the international community to encourage Kabul towards a more inclusive political framework, more moderate policies and a development-focused outlook. Stability, good neighborly relations and constructive engagement with the world were presented not as abstract ideals but as prerequisites for Afghanistan’s own survival and integration. The communiqué also reaffirmed the protection of shared interests, including the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, underscoring how security and economic cooperation are now inseparable in the region’s strategic calculus.
Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, visited China from 3 to 5 January at the invitation of Wang Yi, with talks held on 4 January covering bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues. Discussions ranged across political, strategic, defence, security and economic cooperation, along with people-to-people exchanges. Pakistan reiterated its support for China on Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and the South China Sea, while Beijing praised Pakistan’s efforts to counter terrorism and to protect Chinese personnel, projects and institutions. Both sides also announced plans to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, a reminder that the partnership has matured into one of enduring strategic significance for regional peace and development.
Yet beneath the formal language lies a story of missed opportunities and mounting mistrust. After the military operation Zarb-e-Azb, terrorism in Pakistan had been reduced to such an extent that the operation was formally wound up. During the first Taliban regime under Mullah Omar, relations with Pakistan were widely seen as close and cooperative. It was in that context that Pakistan played a role during the US withdrawal in facilitating the Taliban’s return to power, hoping that a friendly government in Kabul would finally close the chapter on cross-border militancy.
That hope has since curdled into disillusionment. Militants of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, who had fled into Afghanistan during the administrations of Hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani, continued to plan and launch attacks against Pakistan from across the border. There is little doubt in Islamabad that both the TTP and Baloch separatist groups have been used as proxies by India to destabilize Pakistan. Expectations that the Taliban’s interim government would decisively dismantle these networks have not been met. Instead, Pakistani officials now allege that Kabul has turned a blind eye, or worse, has allowed Indian influence to shape its security posture.
The charge is stark: that the Taliban authorities have provided the TTP with freedom of movement, access to abandoned US weaponry and space to establish training camps and safe havens, all of which are being used to fuel violence inside Pakistan. Islamabad also claims that attacks have been launched against Pakistan from Afghan territory at India’s behest, part of a broader attempt by New Delhi to avenge setbacks suffered in recent regional confrontations. The fallout has been costly not only for Pakistan but for Afghanistan itself, which has borne the brunt of retaliatory actions and diplomatic isolation.
Efforts were made to de-escalate. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey intervened to broker a ceasefire after clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces. Talks were held first in Doha and later in Istanbul. While the ceasefire has largely held, negotiations have failed to produce meaningful results, largely because of what Pakistan describes as the Taliban government’s inflexible and evasive conduct, shielded by India’s influence behind the scenes.
The consequences are now visible on Pakistan’s streets. Militancy that had been pushed to the margins has returned with renewed intensity. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are once again under severe strain, and no part of the country can claim immunity. In Karachi this week, security agencies, acting on information provided by detained suspects, arrested further militants who were planning mass-casualty attacks in urban areas. The operation led to the recovery of nearly two tons of explosives. Among those arrested were individuals identified as Jaleel Ahmed, also known as Niaz, Qadir alias King, Hamdan and several women. They had rented a house around 40 kilometers outside the city and were preparing to strike civilian targets.
(The writer is a public health professional, journalist, and possesses expertise in health communication, having keen interest in national and international affairs, can be reached at uzma@metro-morning.com)
