BEIJING, April 8: The week-long China-mediated talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, held from April 1 to 7 in Urumqi, concluded without a formal agreement, though Beijing said both sides agreed to explore a “comprehensive solution” to their differences.
The discussions, involving mid-level officials from both countries and Chinese representatives, were the first major diplomatic engagement since Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in February targeting alleged militant hideouts in Afghanistan.
Pakistan accuses the Taliban-led Afghan government of sheltering members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), responsible for repeated attacks within Pakistan, while Afghanistan denies these claims, urging Islamabad to act against militants on its own soil.
China emphasised that terrorism remains a core issue affecting bilateral relations, while also noting concerns over Uyghur militants from the East Turkestan Islamic Movement in Afghanistan.
The talks focused on dialogue and consultation as the primary mechanism for resolving disputes. Both sides identified core and priority issues and agreed to maintain future communication at various levels.
Despite differing positions and UN reports questioning Islamabad’s evidence linking Afghan soil to attacks, the Urumqi process was described as meaningful, with the parties reaffirming their status as Muslim brothers and close neighbours.
The discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining good-neighbourly relations for regional peace and stability in South Asia. (PTI)
