Afghanistan and Pakistan Agree to Halt Escalation After China-Mediated Talks

Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed not to escalate their conflict and to “explore a comprehensive solution” following several weeks of cross-border fighting that has killed hundreds of people, China’s government said Wednesday. The announcement came after seven days of peace talks mediated by China in the western Chinese city of Urumqi.

“All the parties also agreed to keep the dialogue going,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a daily briefing in Beijing. Mao added that the three sides “agreed to explore a comprehensive solution to the issues in the relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and clarified the core and priority issues that need to be addressed.” She emphasized that terrorism remains “the core issue affecting the relationship” and noted that Afghanistan and Pakistan pledged to avoid actions that could escalate or complicate the situation.

While Islamabad has not publicly commented on the talks, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, confirmed their conclusion on Wednesday. In a post on X, he described the discussions as taking place in a “constructive atmosphere,” covering bilateral relations, security concerns, and regional stability. Balkhi expressed gratitude to Beijing for hosting the talks and voiced hope that the process would strengthen trust, deepen cooperation, and improve relations in the region.

The negotiations began last week at China’s invitation, aiming to halt the conflict that erupted in February. Pakistan had declared it was in “open war” with Afghanistan and carried out airstrikes inside Afghan territory, including in Kabul. Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry described the talks as constructive on Tuesday, despite continuing accusations that Pakistan shelled areas across the border during the discussions.

The United Nations’ office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs in Afghanistan reported that the fighting has displaced 94,000 people. Another 100,000 residents in two border districts remain cut off from basic services due to ongoing hostilities.

Tensions between the two nations are largely rooted in security concerns. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of providing sanctuary to militants, particularly the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is allied but distinct from the Afghan Taliban. Kabul denies harboring such groups.

China’s mediation marks its most prominent effort to ease the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, highlighting Beijing’s role as a regional peace broker. The talks appear to have laid the groundwork for continued dialogue, with both countries signaling a willingness to avoid further escalation and address shared security challenges.