Expert Warns of Pakistani Intelligence Maneuvers Against Chinese Interests in Afghanistan

Counterterrorism expert Ajmal Sohail discusses how Pakistan’s ISI may be undermining Chinese projects in Afghanistan to maintain regional leverage.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 7:31 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Diplomat

The Gatekeeper Strategy

The complex triangular relationship between Pakistan, China, and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan has entered a volatile phase. Counterterrorism expert Ajmal Sohail indicates that the ISI is utilizing proxy elements to target Chinese investments and personnel across the border. By sabotaging these initiatives, Islamabad aims to send a clear message to Beijing that any regional connectivity or expansion of CPEC into Afghanistan must be brokered and secured through Pakistani channels. This "gatekeeper" approach is seen as a response to fears that direct Chinese engagement with the Taliban could diminish Pakistan’s strategic leverage.

The Role of Extremist Proxies

A significant aspect of this regional instability involves the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Sohail and other analysts suggest that the ISI may be leveraging various militant groups to create a persistent security threat for Chinese workers. ISKP has notably brought the conflict to Afghan soil, striking targets that damage the interests of both the Taliban and foreign investors. Furthermore, the presence of the Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains a major friction point, as Islamabad’s frustration grows over the Taliban’s inability or unwillingness to neutralize the group. These overlapping insurgencies have turned Afghanistan into a primary battlefield for influence.

Connectivity and Geopolitical Rivalries

While there has been public discussion about extending CPEC as a "peace corridor" into Afghanistan, the reality on the ground is far more precarious. Geopolitical rivalries and the security of critical routes, such as the Wakhan Corridor, are central to Beijing’s long term planning. However, the frequent attacks on Chinese projects suggest that regional cooperation is being held hostage by deep seated intelligence games. The instability not only threatens the completion of infrastructure projects but also forces Beijing to reconsider its Middle East and Central Asia strategies, which rely heavily on stable land routes.