Afghan Soil Won’t Be Used Against Neighbours, Says Taliban FM

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday that both sides agreed to explore a comprehensive solution to end the conflict and to avoid actions that could escalate tensions or complicate the situation.

Sources confirmed the talks concluded in a “constructive atmosphere”, though a Pakistani source said no major agreement was reached and both delegations had returned to their countries.

Earlier, both the Taliban and Pakistan had confirmed the start of a new round of talks in Urumqi, with China facilitating discussions aimed at easing tensions.

Pakistan has stated that its focus in the talks is on counterterrorism and border security, rather than broader political engagement with the Taliban.

Recent reports suggest Pakistani officials urged the Taliban to designate Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a terrorist group and dismantle its safe havens in Afghanistan, though the Taliban have not officially responded to these demands.

The agency said in a statement on Wednesday that urgent action is needed to address growing humanitarian needs, stressing that “Every family deserves a safe place to call home.”

Recent floods have caused significant loss of life and damage, with Taliban figures reporting over 110 deaths and more than 160 injuries from recent floods and earthquakes across the country.

Afghanistan also experienced deadly natural disasters last year, which killed hundreds, destroyed homes, and left many families without shelter.

The United Nations previously reported that in 2025 alone, more than 15,000 people were affected by floods and heavy rainfall, with around 90 per cent still living in tents or damaged and unsafe homes.

Speaking at a meeting with senior military commanders on Tuesday, Munir said the operation would continue until the complete elimination of terrorist sanctuaries and the end of the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan.

He added that all Pakistani militant groups and their supporters would be pursued and eliminated without pause and without exception.

Following rising tensions with the Taliban, Islamabad launched Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq against Afghan Taliban, while also conducting Operation Azm-i-Istehkam against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch separatists.

These remarks come as Taliban and Pakistani representatives are engaged in talks in Urumqi, China. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has expressed optimism about the negotiations, saying progress has been made.

Pakistani media earlier reported that Islamabad presented three main demands to the Taliban: designating the TTP as a terrorist organisation, dismantling its safe havens in Afghanistan, and handing over its members to Pakistan.

Observers believe the Taliban are unlikely to meet these demands. However, given the escalating crisis in the Middle East, there may be a short-term reduction in tensions.

According to a report released on Monday by OCHA, the highest number of displaced people were recorded in Khost with 26,200, followed by Kunar with 25,300.

Nangarhar recorded 19,600 displaced people, Paktia 18,200 and Paktika 4,900.

The agency said assessments are ongoing in several areas, particularly in Nuristan.

The report added that 25 health centers and 41 schools in Kabul, Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar, Paktia and Paktika have been damaged or closed due to shelling and insecurity, disrupting health, nutrition and education services.

It also referred to a Pakistani airstrike on a drug treatment center in Kabul but did not provide casualty figures. The report said: “On 17 March, a major airstrike caused the destruction of the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul; damage has also been sustained to a market in Paktika and a major fuel depot in Kandahar, with reports of religious structures also being hit in Kunar and Nuristan. Additionally, at least 345 homes have been destroyed or severely damaged.”

OCHA said around 100,000 people in Barg-e Matal and Kamdesh districts of Nuristan have been cut off from humanitarian assistance.

According to the report, more than 34,000 people have so far received aid, including food, cash and emergency shelter.

In a statement, the Taliban Foreign Ministry said Muttaqi thanked China for hosting the talks with Pakistan and also referred to the roles of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

He reiterated the importance of continued dialogue and understanding with Pakistan but added that the Taliban consider it their right to defend Afghanistan’s territory in the event of an attack by Islamabad.

According to the statement, China’s ambassador Zhao Xing said Beijing is working to build trust between the Taliban and Pakistan and has hosted the Urumqi talks in a neutral manner.

The Taliban’s relatively softer tone comes as Pakistan has presented three conditions for reaching an agreement during the Urumqi negotiations.

These include designating Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan as a terrorist group, dismantling its sanctuaries inside Afghanistan and providing verifiable evidence of these actions.