Taliban and Pakistan Engage in Dialogue Amid Border Tensions in Urumqi

Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Taliban administration, has announced that negotiations are currently taking place between the group’s delegation and Pakistani officials in Urumqi, China. He emphasized the need to resolve issues through dialogue while asserting that the Taliban reserves the right to defend its territorial integrity.

Discussions Held in Urumqi

During a consultative meeting on Afghanistan and Central Asia held in Kabul, Amir Khan Muttaqi officially confirmed that bilateral talks between the Taliban and Pakistan in Urumqi are underway. He expressed that the Taliban is participating in these discussions with a sincere approach aimed at finding solutions to the existing challenges in the two countries’ relations.

Emphasis on Dialogue and National Sovereignty

In his remarks, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister highlighted that Kabul’s principled policy is based on resolving challenges through dialogue and fostering relationships grounded in mutual respect and understanding. However, he firmly stated that despite prioritizing diplomatic avenues, the Taliban government will remain unwavering in protecting its territorial integrity and safeguarding the rights of the Afghan people, retaining its right to legitimate defense.

Limited Information on Negotiation Details

Reports indicate that this round of talks began last Thursday in China. Despite the significance of this meeting, neither party has disclosed specific details regarding the topics discussed or any potential progress. China’s role as host of these negotiations reflects its growing efforts to mitigate border tensions and security issues between Kabul and Islamabad, which have escalated significantly in recent months.

Pakistan’s Firm Stance

On the other side, Tahir Andarabi, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asserted that the main objective of Islamabad in these negotiations is to relay serious security concerns to the other side. The spokesperson pointed out that the ball is now in the Taliban’s court, stressing that the primary responsibility for advancing the actual peace process and continuing dialogues lies with Kabul’s officials. These statements underscore Pakistan’s high expectations for addressing armed groups opposing its interests within Afghanistan.