Pakistan and Afghanistan Engage in Peace Talks in China Amid Ongoing Conflict
Pakistan and Afghanistan hold talks in China to end 'worst conflict'
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
Pakistan and Afghanistan are conducting talks in Urumqi, China, aiming to resolve escalating tensions since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Led by senior officials, both sides are seeking mediation from China to establish a foundation for future dialogue and address core disputes over militant activities across their borders.
- 01Talks are being held in Urumqi, China, to mediate the conflict that erupted in February 2023.
- 02Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants attacking Pakistan, while Kabul denies these claims.
- 03China is facilitating the discussions and has previously expressed its intention to help de-escalate tensions.
- 04A temporary ceasefire occurred in March 2023, but fighting resumed shortly after.
- 05Future agreements will require robust verification mechanisms to prevent Afghan territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan.
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Pakistan and Afghanistan are currently engaged in negotiations in Urumqi, a city in northwestern China, to address the worst conflict between them since the Afghan Taliban regained control in 2021. The Pakistani delegation, led by Additional Foreign Secretary Syed Ali Asad Gillani, is meeting with a six-member team from the Afghan Taliban. These discussions follow a request from China, which is acting as a mediator. The conflict, which intensified in February 2023, has involved cross-border clashes and airstrikes, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of providing refuge to militants, particularly the Pakistani Taliban. Afghanistan denies these allegations. A temporary ceasefire was observed in March during Eid al-Fitr, but hostilities resumed afterward. The outcome of the talks may lead to a framework for future dialogue and verification mechanisms to ensure Afghan territory is not used for launching attacks against Pakistan.
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The outcome of these talks could significantly affect security and stability in the region, impacting citizens on both sides who have been affected by the ongoing conflict.
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