（下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。）
The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan is rooted in centuries of shared history, religion, culture, and geography. Though at times challenged by regional dynamics and evolving political developments, the ties between the two nations have always possessed the resilience of brotherhood and the depth of mutual interdependence. Today, as a new chapter unfolds with upgraded diplomatic relations and renewed commitment to constructive engagement, there is a timely opportunity to chart a course toward a prosperous and peaceful future — not only for Pakistan and Afghanistan but for the entire region.
A Shared History, A Shared Destiny
Pakistan and Afghanistan are not ordinary neighbors. Their relations go beyond political boundaries. The two countries are bound by deep-rooted religious and cultural affinities. Families straddle the Durand Line. Languages, tribal affiliations, cuisine, dress, and customs mirror each other across the border. The common faith of Islam binds the people of both nations in a spiritual and moral unity that forms the bedrock of their bilateral relations.
Throughout history, the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan have stood by each other in moments of adversity. Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for over four decades, treating them not as outsiders but as brothers. Afghan students have studied in Pakistani institutions; Afghan traders have found markets in Pakistani cities; and Pakistani pilgrims have traveled through Afghanistan on their way to Central Asia for centuries.
Convergence of Interests and Common Goals
The recent telephonic conversation between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi marks a significant step forward in rebuilding trust and enhancing cooperation. Both nations have expressed readiness to deepen ties through dialogue, mutual respect, and shared goals.
There is a clear convergence of interests in the following areas:
- Peace and Security: Both countries are victims of terrorism and extremism. There is an understanding that peace in one country directly affects the other. A secure and stable Afghanistan is essential for the security of Pakistan, and vice versa. Collaborative efforts to counter terrorism, prevent cross-border militancy, and eliminate safe havens for violent groups are in the interest of both states.
- Economic Development: Afghanistan and Pakistan stand to benefit immensely from regional connectivity and trade. Both are strategically located to act as gateways between Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. Joint economic initiatives can transform the region into a hub of commerce, energy transit, and investment.
- Cultural and People-to-People Links: The revival of cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, and sports diplomacy can strengthen bonds at the grassroots level. The role of youth, students, civil society, and religious scholars in fostering understanding is vital.
- Regional Integration: Pakistan and Afghanistan share a vision of being active contributors to regional organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). Together, they can push for inclusive development and balanced regional policies.
- Infrastructure and Connectivity: Projects like the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line have immense transformative potential. This vital corridor will not only connect Central and South Asia but also enhance trade volumes, create employment opportunities, and promote tourism and cultural exchange.
Diplomatic Breakthroughs: The Role of China and Regional Engagement
China, a trusted friend to both Pakistan and Afghanistan, has played an instrumental role in facilitating dialogue and understanding. By appointing a full-time ambassador to Kabul and recognizing the Taliban envoy in Beijing, China set a precedent for other countries in the region. Pakistan, following careful deliberation and after observing positive steps taken by Kabul, has now taken a bold and constructive decision to appoint a full-time ambassador in Afghanistan.
This upgrade in diplomatic relations has been warmly welcomed by the Afghan interim government and is being reciprocated with a similar gesture from Kabul. These developments represent a diplomatic breakthrough that could pave the way for enhanced cooperation in trade, education, security, health, and infrastructure.
China’s consistent advocacy for peace, stability, and development in the region, especially through platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has helped anchor regional dialogue in a spirit of mutual benefit. China has also encouraged Kabul to respond constructively to Pakistan’s security concerns, particularly with regard to cross-border terrorism. Pakistani officials have confirmed significant progress, including the arrest of Afghan nationals involved with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), demonstrating Kabul’s seriousness in addressing Islamabad’s legitimate concerns.
The Promise of CPEC for Pakistan and Afghanistan
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the BRI, holds transformative potential not only for Pakistan but for the entire region, including Afghanistan. CPEC is more than just a network of roads and energy pipelines — it is a vision of shared prosperity, inclusive growth, and regional integration.
Afghanistan stands to gain significantly from participating in or linking up with CPEC. Enhanced connectivity through roads, railways, and fiber-optic networks can open up Afghan markets to Chinese, Pakistani, and Central Asian investments. Access to Pakistani ports, particularly Gwadar, can give landlocked Afghanistan a new lease of economic life. Moreover, CPEC-driven industrial zones can attract Afghan entrepreneurs and skilled labor, creating jobs and reducing poverty.
For Pakistan, Afghanistan’s stability and involvement in CPEC will ensure the success of regional corridors, enhance energy cooperation, and promote a sustainable economic model based on regional interdependence. The flow of goods, services, and ideas across the region will create a vibrant economic ecosystem where all partners benefit.
A Vision for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity
As both sides reaffirm their commitment to building mutual trust and working together for shared goals, the future appears increasingly promising. The following positive developments further strengthen this optimism:
- Muttaqi’s Upcoming Visit to Islamabad: The expected visit of the Afghan foreign minister to Islamabad — his first in two years — reflects a willingness to maintain open channels of communication and chart a constructive way forward.
- Review of April 19 Visit Outcomes: The implementation of decisions taken during Ishaq Dar’s April 19 visit to Kabul shows continuity in diplomatic engagement and the seriousness of both governments to transform promises into action.
- Framework Agreement on the UAP Railway Project: By prioritizing regional connectivity, Pakistan and Afghanistan are sending a strong message that they are focused on long-term peace through economic interdependence.
- Pakistan’s Diplomatic Policy of Engagement: Pakistan believes in dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful coexistence. It views Afghanistan not as a competitor but as a brotherly nation with shared hopes and challenges. Islamabad’s repeated statements emphasizing “Afghanistan’s stability is Pakistan’s stability” underscore its genuine intentions.
Looking Ahead with Hope and Confidence
It is imperative now to project an optimistic vision — one based on partnership, cooperation, and human dignity. The immense suffering of the Afghan people over the past decades must give way to a future of peace and development. Pakistan, for its part, is committed to assisting Afghanistan in humanitarian relief, reconstruction, education, health care, and economic recovery.
The future of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations should be guided by:
- Mutual Respect and Sovereignty: Each country must respect the sovereignty and internal affairs of the other. Genuine friendship can only grow in an environment free from suspicion and interference.
- Institutionalized Dialogue: Regular consultations at the diplomatic, security, and trade levels can preempt misunderstandings and help resolve issues amicably.
- Joint Economic Projects: Collaborative ventures in agriculture, mining, energy, and education can improve livelihoods and create interdependent stakes in peace.
- People-Centric Policies: Policies that promote student exchange, cross-border medical treatment, tourism, and ease of trade can humanize diplomacy and strengthen public support for bilateral ties.
- Role of Regional Partners: The constructive role of China and Central Asian republics in promoting stability, development, and connectivity must be further encouraged and welcomed.
Global uncertainty and regional complexity
In these times of global uncertainty and regional complexity, it is vital for brotherly nations like Pakistan and Afghanistan to stand together, hand in hand. Their collective history, shared values, and mutual dependence make cooperation not only desirable but essential. The recent developments — upgrading of diplomatic relations, renewed engagement at the highest level, and the shared vision for infrastructure and connectivity — are signs of hope.
Let us embrace this new era with optimism and commitment. Let us walk together on the road of peace, progress, and prosperity. The destinies of Pakistan and Afghanistan are entwined, and together, they can serve as pillars of regional stability and engines of economic revival. The friendship between the two Muslim nations, strengthened with the support of trusted partners like China, can bring about a peaceful transformation of South and Central Asia — a region reborn in unity, development, and hope.
巴基斯坦和阿富汗之间的关系根植于几个世纪以来共同的历史、宗教、文化和地理。虽然有时受到区域动态和不断演变的政治发展的挑战，但两国之间的关系始终具有兄弟情谊的弹性和相互依存的深度。今天，随着外交关系的升级和建设性接触的重新承诺，新的篇章拉开了，这是一个及时的机会，不仅为巴基斯坦和阿富汗，而且为整个地区规划一条通往繁荣与和平未来的道路。
共同的历史，共同的命运
巴基斯坦和阿富汗不是普通的邻国。他们的关系超越了政治界限。两国有着根深蒂固的宗教和文化渊源。家庭横跨杜兰德线。语言、部落关系、饮食、服饰和习俗在边境上相互反映。伊斯兰教的共同信仰使两国人民在精神和道德上团结一致，成为两国双边关系的基石。
纵观历史，巴基斯坦和阿富汗人民在逆境中始终相互支持。40多年来，巴基斯坦收容了数百万阿富汗难民，不把他们当作外人，而是视他们为兄弟。阿富汗学生在巴基斯坦院校学习；阿富汗商人在巴基斯坦城市找到了市场；几个世纪以来，巴基斯坦朝圣者在前往中亚的途中都要经过阿富汗。
利益趋同和共同目标
巴基斯坦副总理兼外交部长伊沙克·达尔最近与阿富汗临时外交部长阿米尔·汗·穆塔奇进行了电话交谈，标志着双方在重建信任和加强合作方面向前迈出了重要一步。两国都表示愿意通过对话、相互尊重和共同目标加深关系。
在下列领域，双方的利益明显一致：
和平与安全：两国都是恐怖主义和极端主义的受害者。一个国家的和平直接影响到另一个国家，这是一种理解。一个安全稳定的阿富汗对巴基斯坦的安全至关重要，反之亦然。共同打击恐怖主义、防止跨境武装活动和消除暴力组织的避风港符合两国的利益。
经济发展：阿富汗和巴基斯坦将从地区互联互通和贸易中受益匪浅。两者的战略位置都是中亚、南亚和中东之间的门户。联合经济倡议可以将该地区转变为商业、能源运输和投资中心。
人文交流：文化交流、教育伙伴关系和体育外交的复兴可以加强基层的联系。青年、学生、公民社会和宗教学者在促进理解方面的作用至关重要。
区域一体化：巴基斯坦和阿富汗都希望成为上海合作组织和经济合作组织等区域组织的积极贡献者。它们可以共同推动包容性发展和平衡的区域政策。
基础设施和互联互通：乌-阿-巴铁路线等项目具有巨大的变革潜力。这条重要的走廊不仅将连接中亚和南亚，还将增加贸易额，创造就业机会，促进旅游和文化交流。
外交突破：中国的作用与地区接触
中国是巴基斯坦和阿富汗值得信赖的朋友，在促进对话和理解方面发挥了重要作用。中国任命一名全职驻喀布尔大使，并承认塔利班驻北京特使，为该地区其他国家开创了先例。巴基斯坦经过认真审议并观察到喀布尔采取的积极步骤后，现在作出了一项大胆和建设性的决定，任命一名全职驻阿富汗大使。
这一外交关系的升级受到阿富汗临时政府的热烈欢迎，喀布尔也以类似的姿态予以回应。这些事态发展是一项外交突破，可以为加强贸易、教育、安全、卫生和基础设施方面的合作铺平道路。
中国一贯倡导维护地区和平、稳定与发展，特别是通过“一带一路”等平台，推动了本着互利共赢精神的地区对话。中国还鼓励喀布尔对巴基斯坦的安全关切，特别是跨境恐怖主义问题作出建设性回应。巴基斯坦官员证实取得了重大进展，包括逮捕与被取缔的巴基斯坦塔利班运动（TTP）有关的阿富汗人，这表明喀布尔在解决伊斯兰堡的合理关切方面是认真的。
中巴经济走廊对巴基斯坦和阿富汗的承诺
中巴经济走廊是“一带一路”的旗舰项目，不仅对巴基斯坦，而且对包括阿富汗在内的整个地区都具有变革潜力。中巴经济走廊不仅仅是一个道路和能源管道网络——它是一个共同繁荣、包容性增长和区域一体化的愿景。
阿富汗将从参与或连接中巴经济走廊中获益良多。通过公路、铁路和光纤网络加强连通性可以向中国、巴基斯坦和中亚的投资开放阿富汗市场。进入巴基斯坦港口，尤其是瓜达尔港，可以给内陆的阿富汗带来新的经济活力。此外，中巴经济走廊推动的工业区可以吸引阿富汗企业家和熟练劳动力，创造就业机会，减少贫困。
对巴基斯坦而言，阿富汗的稳定和参与中巴经济走廊将确保区域走廊建设取得成功，加强能源合作，促进基于区域相互依存的可持续经济模式。商品、服务和思想在该地区的流动将创造一个充满活力的经济生态系统，所有合作伙伴都将从中受益。
和平、稳定与繁荣的愿景
随着双方重申致力于建立互信，为实现共同目标而共同努力，未来似乎越来越有希望。下列积极的事态发展进一步加强了这种乐观情绪：
穆塔奇即将访问伊斯兰堡：阿富汗外长预计将访问伊斯兰堡，这是他两年来首次访问伊斯兰堡，这反映出阿富汗愿意保持开放的沟通渠道，并规划出一条建设性的前进道路。
4月19日访问成果回顾：伊沙克·达尔4月19日访问喀布尔期间所作决定的执行情况表明外交接触的连续性和两国政府将承诺转化为行动的认真态度。
UAP铁路项目框架协议：通过优先考虑地区互联互通，巴基斯坦和阿富汗发出了一个强烈的信息，即他们致力于通过经济相互依存实现长期和平。
巴基斯坦的接触外交政策：巴基斯坦信奉对话、外交和和平共处。美国不把阿富汗视为竞争对手，而是一个有着共同希望和挑战的兄弟国家。伊斯兰堡一再强调“阿富汗的稳定就是巴基斯坦的稳定”，这表明它的真实意图。
满怀希望和信心展望未来
现在当务之急是提出一个乐观的愿景——一个基于伙伴关系、合作和人的尊严的愿景。阿富汗人民过去几十年的巨大苦难必须让位于和平与发展的未来。巴基斯坦则致力于协助阿富汗进行人道主义救济、重建、教育、保健和经济复苏。
巴阿关系的未来应遵循以下原则：
相互尊重和主权：各国必须尊重对方的主权和内政。真正的友谊只能在不受怀疑和干涉的环境中成长。
机制化对话：外交、安全和贸易层面的定期磋商可以预防误解，有助于友好解决问题。
联合经济项目：农业、矿业、能源和教育领域的合作企业可以改善生计，为和平创造相互依存的利益。
以人民为中心的政策：促进学生交流、跨境医疗、旅游和贸易便利化的政策可以使外交人性化，加强两国关系的民意支持。
地区伙伴的作用：应进一步鼓励和欢迎中国和中亚各国在促进稳定、发展和互联互通方面发挥的建设性作用。
全球不确定性和地区复杂性
在全球不确定和地区复杂的时代，像巴基斯坦和阿富汗这样的兄弟国家携手站在一起是至关重要的。它们共同的历史、共同的价值观和相互依赖使得合作不仅是可取的，而且是必不可少的。近期，两国外交关系升级、高层交往恢复、基础设施建设和互联互通愿景达成，都是希望的信号。
让我们以乐观和承诺迎接这个新时代。让我们一起走在和平、进步和繁荣的道路上。巴基斯坦和阿富汗的命运交织在一起，它们可以成为地区稳定的支柱和经济复苏的引擎。这两个穆斯林国家之间的友谊，在像中国这样值得信赖的伙伴的支持下得到加强，可以为南亚和中亚带来和平转型——一个在团结、发展和希望中重生的地区。
( 注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)
Reference Link:- https://thinktank.pk/2025/06/11/what-role-do-pakistan-afghanistan-relations-play-in-regional-stability/