ISLAMABAD: Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed a Senate panel that Pakistan and China preparations to extend CPEC to Afghanistan and revive Pakistan-China-Afghanistan framework are well in place.
The officials said this at the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, which met here Thursday to review Pakistan’s relations with China, evolving regional dynamics and the country’s economic diplomacy.
The meeting was chaired by Senator Agha Shazaib Durrani and attended by Senators Anusha Rehman Ahmed Khan, Rubina QaimKhani, Atta-ur-Rehman and Danesh Kumar. Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by the Foreign Secretary, were also present.
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The committee received a detailed briefing on Pakistan-China relations in the context of shifting geopolitical realities in the region, particularly developments involving Iran. Opening the discussion, the chairman invited the Foreign Secretary to outline the strategic significance of bilateral ties with Beijing.
Officials informed the committee that Pakistan and China continued to enjoy an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and that strengthening relations with China remained a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. They reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to the One-China policy and its continued support for China on issues relating to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, the South China Sea and human rights at both bilateral and multilateral forums.
The briefing highlighted China’s consistent support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, economic stability and counter-terrorism efforts, including its role in Pakistan’s removal from the FATF grey list.
China’s position on the Kashmir dispute was also discussed, with officials noting that it remained an unresolved issue that should be settled peacefully in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.
During the exchange of views, Chairman Agha Shazaib Durrani highlighted what he described as a key and defining aspect of Pakistan’s current foreign policy approach, noting that while routine diplomatic engagements continued, Pakistan’s proactive role in reducing regional tensions deserved special emphasis.
Referring to the prevailing escalation involving Iran, border-related developments and rising tensions in the Gulf, he said Pakistan was playing a vital and visible role in bringing down the temperature, facilitating dialogue and contributing to the settlement of disputes through peaceful means.
He emphasized that Pakistan had historically played a credible and balanced role in the region and was once again emerging as a stabilizing force. The chairman noted that regional stability directly translated into peace within Pakistan and created space for expanded economic opportunities.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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