What was meant to be a step towards regional cooperation turned into a fiery diplomatic showdown, as Pakistan and Afghanistan clashed in a high-stakes trilateral dialogue with China forced into the role of mediator.
The latest round of trilateral foreign ministers’ dialogue between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan witnessed tense exchanges behind closed doors, sources confirmed to TKC. Pakistan raised long-standing concerns over the presence and activities of militant groups operating from Afghan soil, accusing Kabul of failing to address its reservations. According to official’s privy to the talks, the Afghan delegation pushed back strongly, sparking a heated war of words with their Pakistani counterparts.
Adding to the strain, Afghan officials voiced sharp objections over a privately organized meeting set to be held in Pakistan, which will bring together Pakistani and Afghan women. Kabul expressed discontent that several Afghan participants are known critics of the Taliban’s interim government, calling the event politically motivated.
The escalating tension threatened to derail the dialogue until Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stepped in, playing a decisive role in pacifying both sides and steering the meeting back on track.
In the end, the joint statement reflected cautious optimism: the three countries agreed to form a new trilateral counter-terrorism mechanism aimed at addressing mutual security concerns. Yet, the fiery exchanges underscored the fragility of trust between Islamabad and Kabul—making future cooperation anything but guaranteed.
