Pakistan, China Renew Push for Kashmir Dialogue and Water Cooperation
Pakistan and China have renewed their commitment to regional peace, peaceful dispute resolution and stronger cooperation on shared water resources, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to China. The understanding was reflected in a joint statement issued after high-level talks with Chinese leadership, placing Kashmir, regional stability and CPEC’s next phase at the centre of bilateral engagement.
The two sides stressed that peace and stability in South Asia remain essential for long-term development and security. Islamabad briefed Beijing on the latest situation concerning Jammu and Kashmir, while China reiterated that the dispute should be addressed peacefully in line with the United Nations Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.
Beyond Kashmir, the joint statement pointed to a wider cooperation agenda covering trade, energy, finance, digital economy, artificial intelligence, science and technology, water conservation and maritime affairs. Both governments also agreed to strengthen supply chains, promote trade liberalisation and expand training opportunities as part of a broader effort to deepen economic integration.
Officials said the visit produced a broad consensus on further strengthening the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. The statement also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the One-China policy, while China restated support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and efforts to maintain security and stability.
A significant part of the discussions focused on trans-boundary water cooperation, an issue that has become increasingly sensitive in South Asia due to climate pressures, changing river flows and political tensions. Both sides expressed readiness to advance cooperation on shared water resources under principles of equality and mutual benefit.
The statement also placed renewed emphasis on security cooperation. Pakistan and China agreed that no individual, group or organisation should be allowed to use regional territory for terrorism or threats to neighbouring states, specifically referring to groups such as the TTP and ETIM. Pakistan also pledged enhanced security for Chinese personnel, institutions and projects operating in the country.
CPEC remained a major pillar of the visit, with both countries agreeing to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and move forward with the upgraded development of CPEC 2.0. Plans include convening the CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee meeting, advancing the Karakoram Highway realignment in phases and further developing Gwadar Port as a regional connectivity hub.
For Pakistan, the outcomes carry potential economic and diplomatic significance. Expanded Chinese investment in agriculture, infrastructure, technology, education and healthcare could support job creation, export growth and industrial modernisation at a time when the country is seeking fresh momentum for investment-led recovery.
The next phase will depend on how quickly both governments translate the joint commitments into project-level progress. With regional tensions, security concerns and economic pressures still shaping the strategic environment, Islamabad and Beijing are expected to keep close coordination on diplomacy, development and counter-terrorism in the months ahead.