Afghanistan and Pakistan held peace talks in the western Chinese city of Urumqi to end the ongoing conflict that escalated late last year and intensified in early 2026, the Taliban government in Kabul said this week.
Both sides have described the meetings as “useful” and constructive, with Afghanistan’s foreign ministry highlighting positive discussions so far.
China’s foreign ministry said both Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to explore a comprehensive solution to the conflict and pledged not to take actions that could worsen the situation.
China is playing a central role as mediator and facilitator, and other countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and the UAE have also offered support to the process, as per Al Jazeera.
The talks aim to halt cross-border fighting and airstrikes that have left hundreds dead and displaced tens of thousands of people, and are seen as a significant diplomatic effort to move toward a ceasefire and broader conflict resolution.
Pakistan declared it was in an “open war” with its neighbor after clashes resumed earlier this year. Territorially disputed areas and mutual accusations — particularly over militant activity — have long strained Afghanistan–Pakistan relations, with recent violence disrupting earlier ceasefire efforts.
Despite talks, incidents such as border shelling have continued, and Pakistan has insisted that groups like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) be formally designated a terrorist organization and dismantled to ease tensions.
