Pakistan, Afghan Taliban Hold Talks in China to Address Security Tensions

URUMQI, China (Afghan Verified) -- Delegations from Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban began talks in Urumqi on Thursday to address ongoing border tensions, security concerns, trade and neighborly relations.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed the working-level discussions involve senior officials from both sides. The Taliban's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi stated a mid-level delegation was sent for the talks. Descriptions of the delegations vary between senior and mid-level across reports.

Pakistan has demanded verifiable actions by the Taliban against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants operating from Afghan soil. The Taliban denies harboring TTP fighters. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed support for the dialogue to resolve disputes. Afghan Economy Minister Din Mohammad Hanif voiced optimism for ending tensions.

The talks come amid months of cross-border attacks. Al Jazeera reported the conflict has been ongoing since October, killing dozens and disrupting trade, including a recent Pakistani mortar attack in Kunar province that killed two civilians and wounded six. Afghanistan International noted escalation since late February following mutual attacks, including Pakistani strikes on a Kabul rehabilitation center that Afghan officials said killed over 400 people.

China has been mediating to promote regional stability, with the talks following a recent jirga in Peshawar that lacked Afghan participation.