In a bold departure from its past, Afghanistan is signaling a clear strategic pivot: the future of the country no longer lies on the battlefield, but in regional integration, economic diplomacy, and mutual cooperation. This vision was reaffirmed in the recent high-level meeting between Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and Zhao Chao, Deputy Secretary-General of China’s Xinjiang Province. The meeting in Kabul was more than a ceremonial event — it was a calculated message to the region that Afghanistan seeks stability, economic connectivity, and constructive relations with its neighbors. The deepening engagement with China, particularly through Xinjiang as a gateway to the Belt and Road Initiative, reflects Kabul’s recognition that survival and prosperity will only come through trade, investment, and regional harmony — not through isolation or ideological entrenchment. China, in turn, has signaled its willingness to support Afghanistan through economic projects, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity. However, this emerging strategy also places significant responsibility on Kabul — especially in addressing the concerns of neighboring Pakistan.Despite Afghanistan’s push for regional cooperation, tensions with Pakistan remain high, particularly over the presence of anti-Pakistan militant groups on Afghan soil. The Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, reportedly operating from within Afghanistan, has been linked to recent deadly attacks on Pakistani security forces. Islamabad is increasingly vocal in demanding action against such groups, and there are growing indications that Pakistan may consider unilateral measures if Kabul does not respond. The central question now is whether the Afghan government — which continues to deny harboring militants — will take concrete steps to address these cross-border threats. Will Kabul provide actionable intelligence? Will it curb militant safe havens? These decisions will determine not just the future of Afghan-Pakistan relations, but the credibility of Afghanistan’s regional diplomacy. In short, while Kabul’s message to the region is clear — a pivot to peace, trade, and connectivity — its ability to deliver on this vision will be judged by
Afghanistan’s Shift Toward Economic Diplomacy Signals New Era: But Can Kabul Address Pakistan’s Concerns?
