Sources say talks between Taliban and Pakistani delegations continued for a second day on Friday in Urumqi, China, as Beijing pledged to keep mediating, though no details of the discussions have been released.
China is seeking to reduce tensions, reopen trade routes and border crossings, and establish a ceasefire between the two sides.
At the same time, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the Taliban and Pakistan, as China’s neighbours, should resolve their disputes through dialogue.
Meanwhile, the Taliban claimed on Thursday that Pakistani artillery attacks had continued in three eastern provinces.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry stressed that progress in the peace process requires clear, verifiable and written guarantees, saying verbal commitments are not sufficient.
In previous rounds of talks in Doha, Istanbul and Riyadh, Islamabad also demanded written assurances, but the Taliban refused to provide any, contributing to the failure of earlier negotiations.
Taher Andrabi, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, accused the Taliban of failing to honor the Doha agreement with the United States, saying the group had adhered neither to its text nor its spirit.
Observers say Pakistan is taking part in the Urumqi talks under pressure from China.
Former Pakistani envoy Asif Durrani also said Islamabad joined the talks at China’s request.
In contrast, the Taliban Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that its delegation is participating in the Urumqi talks with a balanced and principled approach, aiming for comprehensive discussions on good neighbourly relations, trade expansion and effective management of security issues.
Observers believe China, due to its significant economic interests in the region, including infrastructure projects and major investments, is keen to maintain stability between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Concerns over security threats from Afghan territory, including militant activity and potential instability along border areas, are also driving Beijing’s active role in these negotiations.
