Officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China are meeting in the Chinese city of Urumqi under a trilateral talks mechanism to discuss recent regional developments and security concerns.
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According to a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, the meeting is not a formal mediation effort but rather an opportunity to exchange perspectives following heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. Diplomatic engagement between the two countries had slowed after Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on February 26, targeting militant hideouts across the border.
Pakistan and Afghanistan resume talks in China, with Urumqi hosting a key round to ease tensions. Backed by Beijing’s mediation, discussions will review past progress and seek a verifiable framework, as regional stability hinges on sustained dialogue. pic.twitter.com/6UUupz10ew
— HTN World (@htnworld) March 31, 2026
Sources indicate that China is encouraging confidence-building measures, including the possible reopening of trade routes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Beijing reportedly facilitated the meeting after Kabul sought its assistance in bringing Islamabad back to the negotiating table.
The discussions are described as exploratory, aimed at assessing Afghanistan’s willingness to address concerns raised by Pakistan and China regarding militant groups such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement. Officials said the Afghan side has shown readiness to consider verifiable mechanisms to tackle these issues.
The Pakistani delegation includes officials from the Foreign Office, along with military and intelligence representatives, while Afghanistan’s team comprises members of its interior and foreign ministries, as well as intelligence officials.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have risen since the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in 2021, with Islamabad repeatedly calling for action against militant sanctuaries. A temporary pause in military operations was observed during Eid-ul-Fitr, partly due to regional calls for de-escalation.
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The outcome of the talks remains uncertain, but they signal a cautious step toward dialogue amid ongoing security challenges in the region.