Pakistan Says Responsibility for 'Real Advancement' of Negotiations Lies with Taliban

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andarabi confirmed that a Pakistani delegation is holding talks with a Taliban delegation in Urumqi, China, to address border tensions that have persisted since February 26.

Andarabi stated during a press conference that the "real advancement" of the negotiations depends on the Taliban taking action against terrorist groups, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), that use Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan.

The talks, which began on April 1, include Taliban delegates Mohibullah Wasiq, Abdul Hay Qani of the Foreign Ministry, Arefullah of the Interior Ministry, Ruhullah Omar of the Defense Ministry, and Yahya Takal of the Intelligence Directorate, according to Radio Hurriyat.

The discussions occur amid clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces involving exchanges of fire and Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory. The United Nations reported more than 76 civilians killed in eastern Afghanistan during the first two weeks of the fighting.

Taliban state television said a recent Pakistani missile attack in Kunar province killed one person and wounded five others, including four children.

Separately, a Joint Peace Jirga in Peshawar on Sunday called for a ceasefire and talks, but no Afghan representatives attended.