Pakistan, China press Taliban for verifiable action on terror

Joint communique of 7th Strategic Dialogue issued, two sides reaffirm zero tolerance for terrorism, vow development

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and China on Monday delivered a strong and coordinated message to the Afghan Taliban, calling for "visible and verifiable actions" to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist organisations operating from Afghan soil and to ensure that Afghanistan is not used for terrorism against any other country.

The message was conveyed in a joint communique issued at the conclusion of the Seventh Round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

Both sides agreed to remain in close communication and coordination on the Afghan issue and to work with the international community to encourage the Afghan government to build an inclusive political framework, adopt moderate policies, focus on development, pursue good-neighbourliness and play a constructive role in Afghanistan's stable development and integration into the international community.

According to the communique, Dar visited China from January 3 to January 5 at the invitation of Wang Yi and the dialogue was held on January 4. The two sides held a wide-ranging exchange on bilateral relations, regional and international issues and cooperation across political, strategic, defence, security, economic and people-to-people domains.

Pakistan and China announced the launch of commemorative activities in 2026 to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, describing the occasion as an opportunity to further consolidate the bilateral friendship and expand cooperation into new areas.

Reiterating that the two countries are all-weather strategic cooperative partners enjoying "ironclad friendship," both sides underscored that the steady growth of China-Pakistan relations carries strategic significance for regional peace, stability and development.

They agreed to implement the 'Action Plan to Foster an Even Closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era (2025-2029)' and to keep this framework at the forefront of China's neighbourhood diplomacy.

Islamabad praised China's development achievements under President Xi Jinping, congratulated Beijing on the successful completion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, and commended China's people-centred development philosophy.

In return, China congratulated Pakistan's leadership for achieving macroeconomic stability and for laying the groundwork for growth under Pakistan's National Economic Transformation Plan (URAAN Pakistan 2024-2029).

Both sides reaffirmed unwavering support for each other's core interests. Pakistan reiterated its firm commitment to the One-China principle, support for China's efforts toward national reunification, and opposition to any form of "Taiwan independence."

Pakistan also reiterated support for China on issues related to Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. China, in turn, reaffirmed support for Pakistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, development path and its efforts to combat terrorism.

China commended Pakistan for the comprehensive measures taken to counter terrorism and protect Chinese personnel, projects and institutions, acknowledging Pakistan's contributions and sacrifices over the years.

Both sides reiterated zero tolerance for terrorism, opposed double standards in counter-terrorism, and agreed to deepen security cooperation to ensure the smooth and secure advancement of the Belt and Road cooperation.

On the economic front, the two sides agreed to build an upgraded version 2.0 of CPEC, focusing on industry, agriculture and mining, accelerating development of Gwadar Port, ensuring smooth passage along the Karakoram Highway, and enhancing Pakistan's sustainable development capacity.

They also agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, IT, science and technology, cybersecurity, vocational training, education, and cultural exchanges. The year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass was described as an opportunity to further boost trade and people-to-people contacts, while third-party participation in CPEC was welcomed in line with agreed modalities.

Pakistan appreciated China's support to its fiscal and financial sectors, while both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in financial and banking forums. Satisfaction was also expressed over expanding space cooperation, including the expected early entry of Pakistani astronauts into the China Space Station.

On regional and global issues, the two countries reaffirmed support for the UN Charter, opposition to unilateral actions, and the need to resolve disputes through dialogue. Pakistan briefed China on developments in Jammu and Kashmir, while China reiterated that the dispute should be resolved peacefully in accordance with UN resolutions and bilateral agreements.

The two sides also called for an unconditional, comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, reaffirmed support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the two-state solution, and expressed concern over the situation in the occupied West Bank.

Both countries pledged closer coordination within multilateral frameworks, including the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, reaffirmed opposition to hegemonism and bloc politics, and agreed to continue strengthening their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

Dar thanked Wang Yi for the hospitality extended during the visit, and the two sides agreed that the next round of the Strategic Dialogue will be held in Islamabad next year on mutually convenient dates.