The Government of China has confirmed encouraging progress in ongoing diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with both sides demonstrating willingness to advance dialogue under Beijing’s facilitation.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that both Islamabad and Kabul have welcomed China’s mediating role and are prepared to re-engage in talks, describing the development as a “positive step” toward stabilizing bilateral relations.
Although specific details regarding the venue were not officially disclosed by Beijing, officials from both neighboring countries have previously confirmed that discussions are taking place in Urumqi, a key city in western China that shares strategic proximity to both Pakistan and Afghanistan.
China, which shares a border with both nations, has increasingly positioned itself as a regional facilitator, maintaining close communication with both sides to create conducive conditions for dialogue. According to Mao Ning, Beijing is actively working to provide a platform for engagement and promote constructive negotiations, with further updates expected to be jointly released by the three countries at an appropriate time.
Earlier, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a delegation had been dispatched to Urumqi for talks with Afghan counterparts. The discussions, described as taking place at the working level, are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing key security and bilateral concerns.
In a statement posted on the social platform X, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi подчеркнул the importance of “clear, verifiable, and written assurances” from Afghanistan to ensure meaningful progress in relations. He emphasized that verbal commitments have historically proven insufficient, referencing the Doha Agreement as an example where commitments were not fully implemented in letter or spirit.
During a weekly news briefing, Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position, noting that while Islamabad has demonstrated its commitment to dialogue by sending a delegation, the responsibility now lies with Afghanistan to address Pakistan’s security concerns—particularly regarding action against terrorist groups operating from its territory.
He further clarified that Pakistan continues to conduct its operations with “utmost caution and responsibility,” ensuring that civilian lives are not put at risk.
Officials confirmed that the Pakistani delegation remains engaged in discussions in China, and a clearer assessment of progress will emerge upon their return.
The renewed diplomatic engagement reflects a broader regional effort to stabilize ties and address mutual security challenges, with China playing a pivotal role as a mediator. Analysts view these developments as a cautiously optimistic signal in a historically complex relationship, where sustained dialogue and verifiable commitments remain critical to long-term peace and cooperation.
