KABUL – Pakistan and Afghanistan entered into diplomatic talks in China in latest bid to manage the ongoing conflict. However, Islamabad has made it clear that any meaningful progress depends on Kabul taking “visible and verifiable” steps against militant groups allegedly operating from Afghan territory.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed that senior officials from both countries are currently engaged in discussions in northwestern China. The talks come after weeks of strained relations following Pakistan’s launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on February 26, which targeted what Islamabad described as terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan.
Diplomatic contact between the two sides had largely halted after the start of the operation. According to Andrabi, the Urumqi meeting is primarily aimed at allowing both countries to present their perspectives on the recent escalation along the border. While major breakthroughs are not expected, there are indications that China is encouraging confidence-building measures, including the reopening of trade routes between the neighboring states.
MoFA spokesperson highlighted Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent visit to Beijing earlier this week at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He said the visit created an opportunity for the two countries to engage in detailed discussions on regional developments as well as broader bilateral and global issues.
Afghanistan was among the key topics discussed during the meeting between the two foreign ministers. Andrabi confirmed that Pakistan’s delegation was sent to Urumqi as part of Islamabad’s long-standing position of supporting a credible diplomatic process that could ultimately produce a durable solution to cross-border terrorism.
“Our participation reflects our core concerns,” Andrabi said, emphasizing that the responsibility for meaningful progress lies with Afghanistan. He stressed that Kabul must demonstrate concrete and verifiable actions against militant groups that Pakistan says are using Afghan territory to carry out attacks across the border.
Andrabi also pointed out that Ishaq Dar’s visit to Beijing took place despite medical advice to rest after he suffered a hairline fracture during quadrilateral talks in Islamabad. According to the spokesperson, the decision to travel despite the injury highlights the significance Pakistan attaches to its relationship with China.
Pakistan lately witnessed surge in terrorist activity since Afghan Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021. Islamabad has repeatedly called on Taliban administration to dismantle militant safe havens inside Afghanistan, particularly those linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistani officials say their appeals have not been adequately addressed.
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched on the night of February 26 following what Pakistan described as unprovoked cross-border firing by Afghan Taliban forces.
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