China‑Brokered Talks Ease Tensions as Afghanistan and Pakistan Agree to Halt Escalation

Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached a fragile understanding to avoid further escalation after weeks of deadly cross‑border clashes that have claimed hundreds of lives. The agreement came at the end of seven days of China‑mediated talks in the western city of Urumqi, Beijing announced on Wednesday.

According to China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, all sides committed to continuing dialogue and “exploring a comprehensive solution” to long‑standing disputes. She said the delegations identified the “core and priority issues” that must be addressed, acknowledging that terrorism remains the central point of contention between the two neighbours.

Both Afghanistan and Pakistan pledged not to take actions that could “escalate or complicate the situation,” though Islamabad has yet to issue a formal statement on the talks. Kabul, however, confirmed the discussions had concluded, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi describing the atmosphere as “constructive.” In a message posted on X, he thanked China for hosting the negotiations and expressed hope that the process would strengthen trust and deepen cooperation.

The talks were convened as part of Beijing’s effort to halt a conflict that erupted in February, when Pakistan declared it was in “open war” with Afghanistan and launched airstrikes inside Afghan territory, including in Kabul. Despite the diplomatic engagement, Afghanistan has continued to accuse Pakistan of shelling border areas even during the negotiations.

The humanitarian toll has been severe. The United Nations reports that 94,000 people have been displaced, while 100,000 residents in two Afghan border districts have been completely cut off since the fighting began.

Pakistan maintains that Afghanistan is providing sanctuary to militants responsible for attacks inside its territory, particularly the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), a group allied with but distinct from the Afghan Taliban. Kabul denies the allegations.

As both sides step back from immediate confrontation, the region watches closely to see whether this tentative pause can evolve into lasting stability.