Pakistan and China are planning to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan, officials informed a Senate panel. The extension is part of efforts to revive the Pakistan-China-Afghanistan trilateral framework, aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
According to government sources, the move will open new avenues for trade, infrastructure development, and energy projects, linking Afghanistan more closely with CPEC’s existing network in Pakistan. This initiative is expected to create opportunities for investment, job creation, and economic growth in all three countries.
Officials highlighted that expanding CPEC to Afghanistan aligns with broader regional development goals. Enhanced connectivity would improve trade routes, reduce transport costs, and integrate Afghanistan into major economic projects, contributing to stability and prosperity in the region. It could also support the reconstruction and industrial development of Afghanistan, which has faced economic challenges in recent years.
The Pakistan-China-Afghanistan trilateral framework, originally established to promote cooperation, is now being reinvigorated to meet changing geopolitical dynamics. Analysts say the expansion of CPEC reflects Pakistan and China’s commitment to regional collaboration and long-term economic integration, while also addressing security and stability concerns.
Senate members welcomed the plan, emphasizing the potential benefits for trade, energy, and infrastructure development. They noted that extending CPEC to Afghanistan could strengthen people-to-people connections and improve regional economic resilience.
As talks progress, officials say detailed planning and coordination will be carried out to ensure smooth implementation. The expansion of CPEC to Afghanistan is seen as a strategic step toward greater economic integration, regional connectivity, and sustainable development in South and Central Asia.
