Urumqi Talks Falter: Pakistan-Afghanistan deadlock deepens despite China's diplomatic push

ISLAMABAD: A crucial trilateral meeting between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China in Urumqi ended without a breakthrough on Wednesday, highlighting persistent tensions and deep divisions between Islamabad and Kabul.

The talks marked the first significant diplomatic contact since Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on February 26, an operation that led to a sharp downturn in bilateral engagement. Despite the high stakes, officials familiar with the discussions described the outcome as inconclusive.

A Pakistani official, speaking anonymously, said the meeting produced no major progress, though it helped reopen channels of communication. China reiterated its commitment to stay engaged with both sides, positioning itself as a stabilising force amid growing regional uncertainty.

According to officials, the meeting was not intended as formal mediation but rather as a platform to exchange views on escalating security concerns. Discussions focused heavily on finding a balance between addressing militancy and preserving economic cooperation.

Islamabad once again raised alarm over the presence of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan safe havens in Afghanistan, a concern it has repeatedly flagged since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power. Afghan representatives, while expressing a willingness to engage, maintained that TTP’s cross-border activities are not their direct responsibility.

Despite the impasse, both sides explored confidence-building measures. Beijing reportedly pushed for the reopening of trade routes and broader economic engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan as a way to ease tensions.

China’s involvement proved central to the meeting, with diplomatic sources revealing that Kabul had sought Beijing’s assistance in bringing Islamabad back to the negotiating table. Alongside Pakistan’s concerns, China also highlighted the threat posed by the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, which it believes operates from Afghan territory.

In a potentially positive sign, Afghan officials agreed to consider a verifiable framework to address concerns related to both TTP and ETIM, though concrete commitments remain uncertain.

The meeting brought together senior diplomatic, military, and intelligence officials from both sides, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Still, it underscored how entrenched differences continue to hinder meaningful progress.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated significantly since 2021, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of failing to curb militant groups operating from its soil.

Operation Ghazab lil-Haq remains ongoing, despite a brief pause during Eid ul-Fitr. Pakistani authorities have reiterated that the campaign will continue until its objectives are fulfilled.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts by countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye have led to temporary de-escalation, but a lasting resolution remains out of reach as core security disputes persist.