Pakistan has confirmed it is participating in a new round of peace talks with Afghanistan’s Taliban government in China. These discussions are taking place as Beijing attempts to broker a lasting ceasefire after weeks of fighting that have resulted in hundreds of deaths and disrupted trade and travel.

Confirmation of Talks

The confirmation of these talks came shortly after officials from both countries informed the Associated Press that representatives had traveled to Urumqi in northern China for an initial round of discussions. The identities of the representatives from Pakistan and Afghanistan involved in the latest negotiations remain unclear.

Pakistan's Stance

Pakistani officials have emphasized their commitment to a peaceful resolution. “Yes, Pakistan has sent a delegation to Urumqi, in line with its consistent position and longstanding practice of supporting a credible process that can help find a durable solution to cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan,” stated a Pakistani official. However, they stressed that “The burden of a real process lies with Afghanistan, which must demonstrate visible and verifiable action against terrorist groups using Afghan soil against Pakistan.”

Pakistan maintains it is open to dialogue and remains in communication with Chinese leadership and other international partners. The country is seeking written assurances from Kabul that Afghan territory will not be used for attacks against Pakistan.

China's Role and Recent Clashes

While China has not officially confirmed the talks, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Thursday that the Xi Jinping administration is “actively mediating and facilitating the resolution of conflicts between Afghanistan and Pakistan.” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning affirmed China’s support for both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation.

Accusations and Counter-Accusations

Recent tensions have been fueled by accusations of cross-border attacks. On Wednesday, Farid Dehqan, a police spokesperson from Afghanistan’s Kunar province, alleged that Pakistan fired mortars into Afghan territory, resulting in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to six others, including four children. Pakistan dismissed these accusations, stating its operations against militants are conducted with care to avoid civilian casualties.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of providing a safe haven for militants, particularly the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who carry out attacks within Pakistan. Kabul denies these charges.

Escalation of Violence

The fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been the most intense since February, when Afghanistan’s Taliban government accused Pakistan of launching strikes in Kabul and other areas, causing civilian casualties. Pakistan responded by stating it targeted TTP hideouts.

Tensions escalated last month following an Afghan claim that a Pakistani airstrike in Kabul resulted in over 400 deaths. This claim remains unconfirmed, and Pakistan has disputed the figure, denying targeting civilians and stating it struck an ammunition depot. Previous ceasefire agreements, reached in January, were broken by Pakistani strikes in late February, leading to recent border clashes that have since subsided.