The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) appears increasingly hostage to Taliban-aligned proxies, delaying prospects of trans-regional connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia.

The recent surge of terrorism from Afghan soil targeting Pakistan carries multiple socio-economic, geopolitical and geostrategic implications. In response, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi engaged the Taliban’s Foreign Minister and Pakistan’s DPM/FM Ishaq Dar to foster peace and stability between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Additionally, China’s special representative on Afghanistan visited Islamabad for consultations, but no substantial commitments emerged, reflecting the Taliban government’s chronic betrayal on infiltration, terrorism and support for TTP, BLA and IS-KP. Despite this, hope persists that dialogue, diplomacy and development might eventually resolve disputes. The execution of CPEC Phase 2.0 thus heavily depends on eliminating terrorism, securing the economy and ensuring regional peace and stability.

The Taliban’s close association with the TTP and affiliated terrorist groups, particularly BLA, MB, FQ and IS-KP, has introduced a dangerous evolution in warfare. These groups now employ commercially available quadcopter drones in the KP, Balochistan and even Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Quetta, surpassing traditional methods like IEDs and suicide bombings. This technological shift transforms strategic operations, threatening both Pakistani security and Chinese projects. The TTP coordinates with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group (HGBG), Lashkar-e-Islam (LeI) and Harakat Inqilab-e-Islami (HII), leveraging quadcopter drone technology to conduct precise aerial attacks, signaling a new dimension of regional security challenges.

The TTP has emerged as the region’s most dangerous terrorist organization, equipping drones with explosives to conduct precision........

© Pakistan Observer