Afghanistan Situation Closely Watched, Says SCO Chief

Local sources told Afghanistan International that the blaze broke out at the port in Farah province, sharing videos showing large flames and thick columns of smoke rising from the site.

The fire began on Wednesday afternoon. The Taliban have not yet provided details on the cause of the blaze, the extent of the damage or whether there were any casualties.

In footage circulated from the scene, a man can be heard expressing concern about the fire spreading to nearby vehicles.

The Sheikh Abu Nasr Farahi port is one of the largest commercial crossings on the Afghanistan-Iran border. Border facilities in Afghanistan generally lack modern firefighting systems.

In 2021, one of the largest fires in recent years broke out at the Islam Qala border crossing in Herat province, which was eventually extinguished with assistance from Iran. Hundreds of vehicles were destroyed in that incident.

Taliban’s foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said in a statement on Wednesday that the talks were held in a constructive atmosphere and thanked China for its goodwill and hosting.

He expressed hope that the process would strengthen trust, sustainable relations, mutual understanding and effective cooperation.

Earlier, sources told Afghanistan International that the talks ended without a clear outcome and that both delegations had returned home.

China’s Foreign Ministry said the Taliban and Pakistan agreed during the talks to explore a comprehensive solution to end the conflict.

Mao Ning China’s foreign ministry spokesperson said both sides agreed to avoid actions that could escalate tensions or complicate the situation.

She described the talks, held from 1 to 7 April, as frank and pragmatic, adding that they reflected a problem-solving and results-oriented approach.

Mao noted that terrorism remains a key issue affecting relations between the Taliban and Pakistan, and said all three sides emphasised the importance of the Urumqi process and expressed interest in maintaining dialogue.

Sources also confirmed that the talks were held in a constructive atmosphere but resulted in no major agreement, with delegations returning to their countries.

Both the Taliban and Pakistan had confirmed the start of the new round of talks in Urumqi on Thursday.

Earlier reports said the Taliban had sought China’s help to bring Pakistan to the negotiating table, while Pakistan said its participation focused on counterterrorism and border security rather than broader political engagement.

Pakistani officials have reportedly asked the Taliban to designate Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan as a terrorist group and dismantle its sanctuaries in Afghanistan, though the Taliban have not formally responded to these demands.

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.