Officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China are set to meet in Urumqi under a trilateral mechanism, marking the first high-level engagement between Islamabad and Kabul since tensions escalated earlier this year. The talks follow Pakistan’s launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on February 26, targeting alleged militant hideouts in Afghanistan.
According to officials cited in media reports, the meeting is not intended as formal mediation but rather as a platform to exchange views on the recent escalation. No major breakthroughs are expected immediately. However, China is encouraging confidence-building steps, including reopening trade routes and improving communication between the two neighbours.
The meeting comes at Beijing’s request after Kabul reportedly sought China’s assistance in bringing Pakistan to the table. A key concern for China is the presence of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), which it believes operates from Afghan territory.
Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to push for action against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it accuses of launching attacks from safe havens in Afghanistan.
Officials say Afghanistan has shown some willingness to engage constructively, including discussing verifiable mechanisms to address concerns related to militant groups.
The current talks are described as “exploratory,” aimed at assessing Kabul’s seriousness in addressing these issues.
The Pakistani delegation includes diplomatic, military, and intelligence representatives, while Afghanistan’s team comprises officials from its interior and foreign ministries, as well as its intelligence agency. The discussions are being held at the director-general level.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have intensified since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban government to dismantle militant networks operating from its soil, but claims these demands have largely gone unmet.
The recent military operation was launched following what Pakistan described as unprovoked cross-border fire. Although both sides observed a temporary pause during Eid al-Fitr, hostilities remain unresolved. International actors such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye have urged de-escalation.
Pakistan’s military leadership, including Asim Munir, has stressed that lasting peace depends on Afghanistan ending support for militant groups.
The Urumqi talks are seen as a tentative step toward reducing tensions, though significant challenges remain.