Pakistan and Afghanistan Hold Talks in China Over Ongoing Conflict

Pakistan and Afghanistan have confirmed that they are holding talks in China aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between the two South Asian nations. The preliminary discussions, which began on Thursday, are taking place in Urumqi, a city in northwest China. Senior officials from both countries are participating in the talks, with the aim of securing a ceasefire to halt months of cross-border attacks.

The fighting has resulted in dozens of deaths and disrupted trade and travel between the two nations since October. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring fighters who carry out attacks inside Pakistan, specifically those affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). In response, Kabul denies the allegations, stating that these fighters are a domestic issue for Pakistan.

According to Tahir Andrabi, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, the country hopes to achieve a “durable solution” through the talks. Afghanistan has also sent a mid-level delegation to Urumqi, with the aim of engaging in comprehensive and responsible discussions on issues such as good neighborliness, trade relations, and security management.

China has been actively involved in mediating a negotiated settlement to the conflict, deploying a special envoy last month. However, diplomatic efforts were temporarily halted following Pakistani strikes on a Kabul rehab centre, which resulted in international condemnation. The two sides had previously announced a pause in fighting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey.

Despite this temporary truce, sporadic attacks have continued to be reported in border areas since its end. On Wednesday, Afghan authorities confirmed that Pakistan had fired mortars into Afghan territory, resulting in two civilian deaths and six injuries, including four children. The Pakistani government has denied the accusation, stating that it takes care to avoid civilian casualties during operations against fighters.

The talks are ongoing, with China backing Pakistan’s efforts to bring an end to the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera