Pakistan Talks Ended In ‘Constructive’ Atmosphere, Says Taliban

Mohammad Yousuf Hammad, the Taliban’s disaster management authority spokesman, said the deaths were caused by flooding, house collapses and landslides following heavy rainfall.

With the latest figures, the total number of deaths since March 26 has risen to 148, with at least eight people still missing.

He said heavy rain has destroyed 1,149 homes and damaged more than 5,000 others during this period.

More than 300 kilometers of roads, about 8,245 acres of agricultural land and over 4,000 trees have also been destroyed.

In total, 7,500 families have been affected by these incidents.

Over the past week, Afghanistan has experienced unusually heavy rain and snowfall. In some areas, including parts of Zabul, snowfall has reached up to 50 centimeters.

The UN Human Settlements Programme said on Wednesday that around 4.2 million people in Afghanistan will need emergency non-food assistance and shelter in 2026, adding that recent floods have further increased these needs.

The Polio Free Afghanistan Initiative said the campaign will be carried out across the country, except in Daikundi and Bamiyan, where it has been delayed due to cold weather.

Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only two countries where polio still poses a threat to children.

Health organisations have warned that continued transmission could slow global eradication efforts.

This is the first polio vaccination campaign of the current solar year in Afghanistan, though details on the number of children to be vaccinated and the duration of the campaign have not yet been announced.

According to the World Health Organization, nine positive polio cases were recorded in Afghanistan in 2025.

Speaking at the conclusion of a consultative meeting with Central Asian diplomats in Kabul on Wednesday, Muttaqi said the Taliban assure neighbouring countries they will act against any groups or networks that threaten their security.

Without naming specific groups, he added that the presence of such elements anywhere is unacceptable and that the Taliban are determined to address the issue.

Muttaqi also said the Taliban are serious about resolving tensions with Pakistan through dialogue and expressed hope that the talks would yield positive results.

His remarks come as Pakistan’s army chief said on Tuesday that operations against Taliban targets in Afghanistan would continue, adding that all Pakistani militant groups and their supporters would be pursued without pause and without exception.

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

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.

Observers believe the Taliban are unlikely to meet all of Pakistan’s demands, though a short-term reduction in tensions remains possible given broader regional pressures.

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.