ISLAMABAD: Senior officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China met in Urumqi on Wednesday under a trilateral framework, in a high-stakes attempt to ease escalating tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.
The meeting came after a prolonged diplomatic freeze triggered by Pakistan’s launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on February 26. Despite the significance of the engagement, officials confirmed that the talks ended without any major breakthrough, underscoring the deep-rooted mistrust between the two neighbours.
A Pakistani official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the discussions as “exploratory,” noting that while dialogue had resumed, no tangible outcomes were achieved. China, however, signalled its commitment to continue engaging both sides in a bid to prevent further escalation.
Clarifying the nature of the talks, a senior official from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the meeting was not a formal mediation effort, but rather a platform to exchange views on the rapidly evolving regional security situation.
At the heart of the discussions were competing priorities—security versus economic cooperation. Beijing reportedly urged confidence-building steps, including reopening trade routes, in an effort to stabilise ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Islamabad forcefully reiterated its concerns over the presence of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan sanctuaries inside Afghan territory. In response, Afghan Taliban representatives signalled a willingness to engage but maintained their long-standing position that TTP’s actions within Pakistan do not fall under their jurisdiction.
Despite the sharp differences, both sides showed limited openness to reducing tensions. Pakistani officials indicated readiness to revive trade and economic cooperation, suggesting a pragmatic approach aimed at managing conflict while preserving economic interests.
Diplomatic sources revealed that Beijing played a pivotal role in convening the meeting after Kabul sought China’s assistance in bringing Islamabad back to the table. China also raised its own security concerns regarding the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, which it views as a serious regional threat.
In a notable development, the Afghan side reportedly agreed to discuss a verifiable mechanism addressing concerns related to both TTP and ETIM—an indication of cautious, though uncertain, progress.
The talks, attended by senior diplomatic, military, and intelligence officials from both countries, reflected a shared recognition of the risks posed by continued instability, even as core disagreements remain unresolved.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply deteriorated since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in 2021, with Islamabad repeatedly accusing Kabul of failing to act against militant sanctuaries.
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, launched following cross-border hostilities, continues to define the current security landscape. Although a temporary pause was observed during Eid ul-Fitr, Pakistani authorities have made it clear that the operation will persist until its objectives are met.
Efforts by regional players such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye to de-escalate tensions have led to brief pauses, but a lasting resolution remains elusive.
Pakistan’s military leadership continues to stress that sustainable peace hinges on the Afghan Taliban severing ties with militant groups—an issue that remains the central obstacle in an already fragile relationship.
