Pakistan confirms engaging Kabul in Urumqi talks

-- Pakistan demands 'Verifiable Action' as conflict persists

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has entered into fresh talks with Afghanistan aimed at easing tensions but insisted that Kabul must take “visible and verifiable actions” against militant groups operating from its soil, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday.

The engagement comes after a prolonged diplomatic freeze following Pakistan’s launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on February 26, targeting alleged terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan. The current round of discussions is taking place in Urumqi, where senior officials from both sides are holding working-level talks.

According to Andrabi, the dialogue is primarily focused on exchanging perspectives on the recent escalation, with no major breakthroughs expected. However, China is believed to be encouraging confidence-building measures, including the reopening of trade routes between the two neighbours.

He noted that Pakistan’s participation reflects its consistent stance of supporting meaningful dialogue to achieve a durable solution to cross-border terrorism. “The burden of real progress lies with Afghanistan,” Andrabi stressed, urging Kabul to act decisively against groups using its territory to target Pakistan.

The spokesperson also highlighted Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent visit to Beijing, where he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. The visit, he said, allowed both sides to deliberate on regional and global issues, including the Pakistan-Afghanistan situation.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Pakistan’s military campaign remains active. Andrabi confirmed that Operation Ghazab lil-Haq continues, with recent counter-terrorism actions carried out and no pause linked to the talks.

Tensions between the two countries have escalated since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in 2021, with Islamabad repeatedly urging Kabul to dismantle militant sanctuaries, particularly those linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistani officials maintain that these demands have yet to be adequately addressed.

The operation, launched after alleged cross-border firing by Afghan Taliban forces, was briefly paused during Eidul Fitr but later resumed, with authorities vowing to continue until its objectives are achieved.

Separately, Andrabi described a five-point peace initiative jointly proposed by Pakistan and China as a “milestone”, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the launch of peace talks to stabilise the region. The proposal, he said, has received positive feedback internationally.

He further revealed that Pakistan is actively engaged in broader regional diplomacy, including consultations with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt, as well as efforts to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran amid rising tensions.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s diplomatic posture, Andrabi said the country remains committed to dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution while continuing to play a facilitative role in addressing complex regional crises.