Siraj-ul-Haq Warns of Harm from Conflicts Between Islamic Countries at Peshawar Meeting

PESHAWAR, Pakistan -- Siraj-ul-Haq, former leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, warned at a political meeting in Peshawar that wars between Islamic countries produce no real winners, particularly amid ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Speaking at an event titled 'Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict and Its Regional Impacts,' organized by the Institute for Islamic Studies, Siraj-ul-Haq said the disputes harm both nations, especially Pashtun communities and their economies. He urged dialogue and negotiation to resolve differences.

Wakil Muhammad Aliseef, a senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), criticized the lack of diplomatic channels between the two countries, accusing leaders of political point-scoring. He said the Taliban had failed to adhere to commitments and faced external pressures. Despite the challenges, Aliseef expressed optimism that honest dialogue could resolve differences.

Participants at the meeting called for immediate negotiations and greater cooperation between the Taliban and Pakistan, noting Pakistan's history of hosting millions of Afghan refugees.

Meanwhile, Taliban and Pakistani delegations are holding closed-door talks in Urumqi, China, which began last Thursday. China is mediating the discussions. Mao Ning, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, confirmed that consultations are ongoing with steady progress and agreements reached on specific procedural issues, including media handling. No further details or lists of participants have been released.

The Taliban delegation includes Mullah Waseeq and officials from the Foreign Ministry (Abdul Hay Qanit), Interior Ministry (Arefullah), Defense Ministry (Rohullah Omar) and Intelligence (Yahya Takal). A Taliban Foreign Ministry official described the group as mid-level.