Pakistan Plans New Bloc: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has proposed forming an alliance with countries like Afghanistan, China, and Bangladesh. This move by Pakistan could increase challenges for India.

Pakistan Plans New Bloc Including Taliban, Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has put forward a significant proposal to form a strategic alliance comprising Afghanistan Taliban, Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan. This suggestion comes in the wake of recent diplomatic activities in Beijing, where key meetings between foreign ministers of these countries took place. Dar’s visit to China marked an important diplomatic engagement that could reshape regional dynamics in South Asia.

During his visit, Ishaq Dar met with Afghanistan Taliban’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who was also present in Beijing. The talks between China, Pakistan, and the Taliban-led Afghanistan centered around deepening cooperation and expanding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to reach Afghanistan. The meeting ended with a consensus on enhancing collaboration on multiple fronts, reflecting shared strategic interests among the participating nations.

In an extension of this collaboration, Dar recommended including Bangladesh to form a cohesive bloc that can work collectively in political, economic, and possibly security-related areas. This new bloc is envisaged as a regional partnership aimed at boosting development and fostering stronger ties between the member countries.

Ishaq Dar Highlights Benefits of the Proposed Alliance

According to Ishaq Dar, creating a partnership involving Pakistan, Taliban, Bangladesh, and China would be a game-changer for the region. He emphasized that such cooperation would lead to increased development opportunities and mutual progress. By pooling resources and coordinating policies, the countries can address common challenges more effectively.

Dar also expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of his meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. He stated that Pakistan’s relations with the Taliban are improving steadily, marking a positive shift in diplomatic relations. The strengthening of these ties could facilitate more stable and productive regional engagements, including economic projects like CPEC.

The Foreign Minister stressed that with Bangladesh’s inclusion, this alliance could cover a larger geographic and strategic area, providing a platform for deeper integration and joint initiatives. He views this bloc as a means to promote peace, economic growth, and regional stability, benefiting all participating nations.

Strategic Concerns for India Over CPEC Expansion

The extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan, agreed upon during the Beijing meeting, carries significant geopolitical implications, particularly for India. CPEC is one of China’s flagship infrastructure projects designed to connect its western region to the Arabian Sea via Pakistan. This corridor passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), an area claimed by India, making the expansion sensitive and controversial.

India views the extension of CPEC into Afghanistan as a strategic challenge that could further complicate its regional security environment. The corridor enhances China and Pakistan’s economic and military leverage in the region, potentially encircling India from the west and northwest.

Experts believe that Pakistan’s proposal to form a bloc with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and China may be part of a broader strategy to diplomatically and economically isolate India. This grouping could increase regional cooperation among India’s neighbors, thereby exerting pressure on New Delhi from multiple fronts. The initiative might also aim to counterbalance India’s growing influence in South Asia and beyond.

Improving Relations Among Bloc Members

Pakistan has been working on strengthening its diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, which forms the foundation of this proposed bloc. Ishaq Dar, also Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, mentioned that he held meetings with several senior Taliban leaders during his trip to China. These interactions signaled Pakistan’s intent to foster closer ties with the new Afghan administration.

Simultaneously, Pakistan’s relationship with Bangladesh has seen improvements in recent times, reflecting a thaw in what was previously a tense relationship. This diplomatic warming is essential for the success of the proposed alliance, as cooperation among the bloc members will require trust and mutual understanding.

China remains the key player in this partnership, serving as an economic powerhouse and strategic ally for Pakistan. Its role in the CPEC project and its growing influence in the region underpin the alliance’s ambitions. Beijing’s support is crucial for expanding connectivity and cooperation between the countries involved.

Potential Impact and Reactions

If this bloc takes shape, it could lead to greater regional integration in terms of trade, security, and diplomacy. The alliance might undertake joint infrastructure projects, intelligence sharing, and coordinated policy-making to promote collective interests.

However, as of now, countries other than Pakistan have not officially commented on the proposal. The reception of this alliance will depend on each member’s national interests and geopolitical calculations. India is expected to closely monitor these developments given the potential implications for its strategic environment.

The formation of such a bloc, if realized, could alter the balance of power in South Asia, with increased cooperation among Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh challenging India’s regional dominance.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s proposal to form a bloc with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and China represents a strategic move aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and countering India’s influence. The agreement to extend CPEC to Afghanistan further ties these countries economically and geopolitically. While the alliance promises opportunities for development and collaboration, it also raises significant strategic concerns for India, highlighting the evolving complexities of South Asian geopolitics.

Also Read:

• How IAF Outwitted Pakistan’s Air Defense, Hit Targets
• Trump Talks Ceasefire, Congress Targets Modi, Jaishankar
• Operation Rising Lion: How Mossad Crushed Iran’s Nuclear Dream