AFGHANISTAN’S instability, marked by presence of terrorist sanctuaries on its soil, is not only a concern for Pakistan but also for many of its neighbours. While Pakistan has long raised alarm over groups like TTP using Afghan territory to launch attacks, the threat extends far beyond its borders. Iran, the Central Asian countries and China share a growing sense of unease over the unchecked spread of militancy in Afghanistan, which threatens regional security and economic cooperation.
This shared regional concern has led to a renewed diplomatic push, with China stepping forward as a key actor. Beijing’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, travelled to both Islamabad and Kabul, signalling China’s growing interest in defusing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In his meetings with Afghan officials—including Deputy Prime Minister Maulvi Abdul Kabir and Defense Minister Mullah Yaqub—Yue conveyed Pakistan’s serious concerns about the ongoing presence of terrorist groups on Afghan soil. This diplomatic outreach is a welcome development. Beijing is well aware that the growing friction between the two countries not only destabilizes the region but also threatens its plans for connectivity and trade. In theory, Afghanistan has the potential to become a hub for regional trade and economic growth. But this potential can only be realized in an environment of peace and security. The continued existence of terrorist sanctuaries hampers Afghanistan’s ability to stabilize itself and engage in meaningful trade with its neighbours, including Central Asia, which is rich in resources, and Pakistan, which offers access to vital seaports. For Afghan leadership, the current moment offers a unique opportunity. Achieving peace with its neighbours—by addressing the terror groups operating from its soil—is not just about fulfilling international obligations. It is about Afghanistan’s own future. Stability would open the doors to economic development, regional trade and ultimately peace for its long-suffering population. A peaceful Afghanistan would attract greater foreign investment, not only from China but from the entire region and it would unlock opportunities for economic integration, In the long run, the success of such integration would benefit not just Afghanistan’s economy but its people—who have lived through decades of war and instability.
