URUMQI: Officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan and China met on Wednesday in the Chinese city of Urumqi under a trilateral mechanism, as efforts continue to manage rising tensions and explore avenues for cooperation.
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A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said the meeting is not a formal mediation effort but rather aimed at exchanging perspectives on the latest regional escalation following Pakistan’s launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on February 26.
Diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Kabul had largely stalled after the operation targeted alleged militant hideouts across the border. However, the current talks signal a cautious attempt to re-engage despite persistent security concerns.
According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan reiterated its concerns over the presence of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. Afghan Taliban representatives, while indicating willingness to address the issue, maintained that TTP activities within Pakistan are not under their direct control.
China, meanwhile, is pushing for confidence-building measures, including the reopening of trade routes and enhanced economic cooperation. Officials said discussions are balancing security priorities with economic opportunities, even as core disagreements remain unresolved.
Beijing is also concerned about the presence of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), a transnational militant group believed to operate in Afghanistan. Sources indicated that the Afghan side has shown readiness to discuss verifiable mechanisms addressing concerns related to both TTP and ETIM.
Pakistani officials described the talks as “exploratory,” aimed at assessing Kabul’s seriousness in tackling militancy and improving bilateral ties. The Pakistani delegation includes diplomatic, military, and intelligence representatives, while the Afghan side comprises officials from interior, foreign affairs, and intelligence institutions.
Despite tensions, Islamabad is said to be open to restoring trade and economic engagement with Afghanistan as part of broader confidence-building efforts.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, with Islamabad repeatedly urging action against militant groups operating from Afghan soil.
