Afghanistan Describes China-Hosted Peace Talks with Pakistan as 'Useful'
Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry has described ongoing peace talks with Pakistan, held in China's Urumqi, as "useful."
The mid-level delegations began discussions on April 1 aimed at halting cross-border fighting that erupted in February. The conflict has displaced 94,000 people overall, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, with 100,000 people in two Afghan border districts cut off.
Tensions heightened after Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan, including one on March 17 that Afghan officials said struck a drug-treatment center in Kabul, killing more than 400 people. Pakistan denied carrying out the strike. Pakistan has also declared it is in "open war" with Afghanistan.
Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met China's ambassador and thanked China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates for mediation efforts.
Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Zia Ahmad Takal stated that constructive discussions occurred and expressed hope that minor issues would not hinder progress.
Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of border shelling during the talks that killed and wounded civilians. Pakistan has made no comment.
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Where reports agree
- Peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan hosted by China in Urumqi are ongoing since April 1
- Afghan officials describe talks as useful and constructive
- Cross-border conflict began in February with Pakistani air strikes prompting Afghan response
- Significant displacement reported by UN OCHA
- Named Afghan officials (Muttaqi, Takal) provide on-record statements thanking mediators
Where reports differ
- Casualty figures and specifics of March 17 Kabul strike: Afghan claim >400 killed vs Pakistan denial (internal to source)
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