Islamabad (TDI): Officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China are set to meet in the Chinese city of Urumqi under a trilateral mechanism, marking a renewed diplomatic engagement after weeks of strained ties between Islamabad and Kabul.
According to a senior official from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting is part of an ongoing consultative framework rather than a formal mediation effort, Dawn reported on Wednesday.
Diplomatic interactions between Islamabad and Kabul had significantly reduced following the launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on February 26, which targeted militant hideouts across the border.
Beijing facilitated the meeting, with Afghanistan reportedly seeking China’s assistance in re-engaging Pakistan. The talks are taking place at the director-general level and are being led on the Pakistani side by a senior official from the Afghan desk at the Foreign Office.
The Pakistani delegation also includes military and intelligence representatives, while the Afghan side is represented by officials from its interior and foreign ministries, as well as members of its intelligence apparatus.
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Security concerns are expected to dominate the discussions, particularly issues related to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement. China, like Pakistan, has expressed concerns about militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
Officials indicated that Kabul has shown a willingness to engage more constructively this time and has agreed to discuss mechanisms that could address key security demands from both Pakistan and China, including verifiable measures against militant groups.
The talks are being described as exploratory, aimed at assessing the seriousness of the Afghan side’s commitments rather than reaching immediate agreements.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021, with Islamabad repeatedly calling on Kabul to act against militant sanctuaries, particularly those linked to the TTP.
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Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched following cross-border firing incidents, and while a temporary pause was observed during Eid ul-Fitr, officials have stated that the operation will continue until its objectives are achieved.
Efforts to de-escalate tensions have also involved regional actors, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye, which have urged restraint from both sides.
