Pakistan and Afghanistan Engage in China-Mediated Talks

Islamabad and Kabul have begun talks in Urumqi, China, facilitated by the Chinese government, after a period of heightened border clashes. Pakistan confirmed sending a delegation to China to meet with Afghan representatives, seeking to ease tensions between the two neighboring countries.

Confirmation from Both Sides

Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi announced on Thursday that a delegation of senior government officials was dispatched to Urumqi for discussions with the Afghan side. Geo News reported these as “junior-level diplomatic talks.”

Afghanistan also confirmed the talks, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi stating on X (formerly Twitter): “At the initiative of the People’s Republic of China, a mid-level delegation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has arrived in the People’s Republic of China to hold formal talks with the Pakistani side.”

China's Role in De-escalation

The meeting follows a meeting between Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Tuesday. China has expressed its commitment to playing a constructive role in de-escalating the situation and improving relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Mao Ning, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, stated on Thursday that China supports both countries in resolving disputes through dialogue, emphasizing their shared status as China’s neighbors.

Recent Border Clashes and Ceasefire

The latest escalation of border clashes began in late February when Pakistan launched airstrikes inside Afghanistan. These strikes were in response to a series of deadly attacks within Pakistan attributed to terrorists affiliated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Islamabad accuses Kabul of providing shelter to the TTP and failing to address the group’s activities. Kabul denies these accusations. Officials from both countries report that dozens of civilians, soldiers, and militants have been killed on both sides of the border as a result of the clashes.

A week-long ceasefire was agreed upon on March 18, coinciding with the eve of Eid al-Fitr, following appeals from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.