Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have quietly resumed negotiations in China, where Beijing is attempting to mediate a durable ceasefire after more than a month of intense cross‑border fighting, according to two senior Pakistani officials familiar with the process.
The officials, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the media, said representatives from both sides are meeting in Urumqi, a major city in northern China. A third source with direct knowledge of China’s diplomatic efforts confirmed that the talks are aimed squarely at halting the current hostilities.
Beijing has not publicly commented on the meetings, maintaining its characteristic silence on sensitive regional diplomacy. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also declined to confirm or deny the development, signalling the delicate nature of the discussions.
The renewed dialogue comes at a critical moment, with tensions between Islamabad and Kabul escalating sharply in recent weeks. China which shares strategic interests with both countries, including regional stability and security of its Belt and Road investments has emerged as a key behind‑the‑scenes mediator.
Whether the talks can produce a lasting ceasefire remains uncertain, but the fact that both sides have returned to the table underscores the urgency of containing a conflict that threatens to destabilise an already fragile region.
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