Pakistan-Afghan talks in Urumqi signal potential diplomatic breakthrough

ISLAMABAD (Rizwan Abbasi): An important diplomatic breakthrough has been made to improve relations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, with a new round of talks beginning under China‘s mediation.

According to diplomatic sources, high-level working-level talks are underway between the two countries in the Chinese city of Urumqi, which is being described as very important for the peace and stability of the region.

According to sources, various issues of security, border management, and cooperation are being discussed in detail in the talks. The Pakistani delegation is led by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Afghan delegation also includes high-level officials, indicating that both sides are taking this diplomatic process seriously.

During the talks, a joint strategy against terrorism, the law and order situation in the border areas, and confidence-building measures were also discussed. Diplomatic sources say that positive developments are expected to reduce tensions between the two countries and promote mutual trust.

In addition, trilateral cooperation, especially with China, is also being considered to promote economic and regional ties. Points such as increasing trade activities, making border management effective, and promoting legal trade are also part of the agenda.
According to sources, a date for the next round of talks is also likely to be fixed, while the current talks are being described as a possible breakthrough in relations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban.

It should be noted that relations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have been tense for some time now, the main reasons for which have been border security, the presence of banned organizations, and allegations of cross-border attacks.

Pakistan has repeatedly expressed reservations about the use of Afghan soil for terrorism, while the Afghan Taliban has also remained firm on its position on border issues.

China has played a mediating role between the two countries in the interest of regional stability, as Beijing not only desires regional peace but also attaches importance to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the promotion of trade ties in the region.

The current talks are being described as an important link in this series, which is hoped to restore an atmosphere of trust between the two countries and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.