Pakistan and Afghanistan are holding peace talks in the Chinese city of Urumqi to address escalating cross-border violence that has claimed hundreds of lives. The discussions aim to secure a ceasefire and improve trade relations.
Key Takeaways
Pakistan and Afghanistan are holding peace talks in Urumqi, China to address escalating cross-border violence that has claimed hundreds of lives. The discussions aim for a ceasefire and improved trade relations.
- Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants like TTP; Afghanistan denies allegations
- Chinese mediation involves mid-level officials from both countries focusing on exchanging views on current escalations
- Recent violence includes Pakistani air strike in Kabul, with conflicting reports on casualties
The conflict has intensified since October 2023, with both sides accusing each other of harboring militants. Pakistan claims that Afghanistan provides safe haven to groups like Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which have carried out attacks inside Pakistan. Afghanistan denies these allegations, asserting that the militancy is a domestic issue for Pakistan.
China has been trying to mediate a negotiated settlement between the two nations. The talks were initiated at China's request and involve mid-level officials from both countries. According to Reuters, negotiations are advancing steadily, with both sides attaching importance to China's mediation and willing to sit down for talks again.
The discussions focus on exchanging views on current escalations, with Pakistan emphasizing the need for Afghanistan to take visible actions against terrorist groups operating from its soil. The recent violence includes a Pakistani air strike in Kabul that Afghan officials claim killed over 400 people at a drug rehabilitation center. Pakistan denies targeting civilians, asserting it struck military installations and 'terrorist support infrastructure.'
The talks come amidst broader regional tensions, with Pakistan also engaged in mediating efforts between the U.S. and Iran.
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