The China-mediated dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan concluded without a formal agreement, though China stated that both sides are willing to pursue a ‘comprehensive solution’ to ease tensions.
Held in Urumqi—the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region—the informal talks ran from April 1 to 7 and marked the first significant diplomatic engagement between the two countries, since Islamabad launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in late February. The operation targeted alleged militant hideouts inside Afghanistan.
Pakistan has accused Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government of harbouring members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), groups responsible for a series of insurgent attacks across Pakistan.
According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, representatives from all three countries engaged in candid, pragmatic discussions in a constructive atmosphere. She noted that the talks followed a problem-focused and action-oriented approach, with all sides agreeing that dialogue and consultation remain the most effective means to resolve complex disputes.
The delegations agreed to explore a broad framework addressing both core and priority concerns in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations. While no timeline for future meetings was confirmed, Mao indicated that maintaining communication is a key consensus, and further engagement at multiple levels is expected.
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China also highlighted terrorism as a central issue affecting bilateral ties, though it avoided directly endorsing Pakistan’s claims against Afghanistan. Beijing itself remains concerned about the presence of Uyghur militants linked to the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, which seeks independence for Xinjiang and is reportedly active in Afghanistan.
The talks were further complicated by a recent report from United Nations Human Rights Office experts, which stated that Pakistan had not presented credible evidence linking TTP activities to Afghan authorities. The report also argued that Pakistan’s cross-border actions may violate Article 2 of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force.
Pakistan rejected these findings, asserting that various international and UN reports support its position. Meanwhile, Afghanistan has consistently denied providing sanctuary to militant groups and has urged Pakistan to address internal security issues, maintaining that such groups operate within Pakistani territory.
The discussions in Urumqi involved mid-level officials from both countries. In summarising the outcome, Mao said both Afghanistan and Pakistan reaffirmed their shared identity as neighbouring Muslim nations and emphasized the importance of maintaining stable relations amid regional and global uncertainties.
All three parties agreed that fostering good-neighborly ties is essential for regional peace, stability, and the well-being of their populations. They also acknowledged the importance of continuing the Urumqi dialogue process and committed to sustaining communication going forward.
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