ISLAMABAD (MNN); Officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China held a trilateral meeting in the Chinese city of Urumqi on Wednesday, focusing on regional security and diplomatic engagement amid strained ties.
The meeting took place under the trilateral mechanism following a prolonged pause in direct diplomatic contacts between Pakistan and Afghanistan after Islamabad launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on February 26 targeting militant hideouts across the border.
A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the talks were not a formal mediation effort but rather an exchange of views on the evolving situation. While no major breakthroughs were expected, China encouraged confidence-building measures, including the possible reopening of trade routes and enhancing economic cooperation.
Discussions also centered on balancing security concerns with economic priorities in the region. Pakistan reiterated its concerns over the presence of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. Afghan Taliban representatives signalled a willingness to address these concerns but maintained that TTP activities within Pakistan were not under their direct control.
Sources indicated that both sides discussed steps to reduce tensions, with Pakistan showing openness to restoring trade and economic ties despite ongoing security disagreements.
Another official revealed that Beijing facilitated Pakistan’s participation after Kabul sought China’s assistance in bringing Islamabad to the table. China also raised concerns about the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), which it believes operates from Afghan territory.
The Afghan side reportedly expressed readiness to discuss verifiable mechanisms regarding key demands related to TTP and ETIM. Officials described the meeting as “exploratory,” aimed at assessing the seriousness of all parties.
The Pakistani delegation was led by a senior Foreign Office official and included military and intelligence representatives, while the Afghan side comprised officials from its interior and foreign ministries as well as intelligence authorities.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained tense since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in 2021, with Islamabad repeatedly urging Kabul to act against militant groups operating from its soil.
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched following cross-border firing incidents. A temporary ceasefire was observed from March 18 to 23 on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, partly due to de-escalation efforts by regional countries. However, Pakistan has stated that the operation will continue until its objectives are achieved.
Senior Pakistani leadership has maintained that lasting peace in the region depends on decisive action against militant groups and the elimination of cross-border terrorism.
