Pakistan and Afghanistan Commit to De-escalation During China-Hosted Talks
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to avoid further escalation in their ongoing tensions following a series of China-hosted talks, according to Beijing.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed that representatives from China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan held informal discussions in Urumqi, Xinjiang, from April 1 to 7. The talks were described as “frank and pragmatic,” taking place in a positive atmosphere.
During the meetings, both Pakistan and Afghanistan reaffirmed their commitment to resolving differences through dialogue and restoring normal bilateral relations. They also agreed not to take any actions that could worsen or complicate the situation.
The discussions come amid heightened tensions following Pakistan’s military operation, Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, launched in late February targeting alleged militant hideouts across the Afghan border. Diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Kabul had largely stalled since then.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has not yet issued an official statement on the latest development. However, earlier comments by spokesperson Tahir Andrabi indicated that Islamabad seeks a “durable solution” to cross-border terrorism and expects Afghanistan to take “visible and verifiable actions” against militant groups operating from its territory.
Relations between the two countries have remained strained since the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in 2021. Pakistan has repeatedly urged Kabul to dismantle safe havens for groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), alleging that attacks inside Pakistan are being planned from Afghan soil.
Military tensions escalated further after cross-border firing incidents in February, prompting Pakistan’s response. A temporary pause in operations was observed during Eidul Fitr, partly influenced by de-escalation appeals from regional players including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye.
Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir has previously emphasized that lasting peace depends on Afghanistan severing ties with militant organizations.
The China-hosted trilateral dialogue is being seen as a significant diplomatic step toward easing tensions and reopening communication channels between the two neighbors. However, analysts caution that sustained peace will depend on concrete actions and trust-building measures in the coming weeks.
