China to resume mediation efforts between Pakistan and the Taliban, with plans underway for a second round of talks following last month’s meeting in Urumqi, Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper reported.
According to the report, Chinese officials are preparing a new round of negotiations aimed at creating a lasting framework to ease tensions that have strained relations between Islamabad and the Taliban over the past year.
The tensions, largely linked to security issues, have also disrupted trade, transit and cross-border movement, with border closures reducing economic exchanges and worsening insecurity along frontier areas.
In such circumstances, bilateral efforts to resolve the disputes have effectively reached a deadlock, pushing Pakistan to rely increasingly on third-party mediation, particularly from China.
China’s special envoy for Afghanistan has travelled to Kabul in recent weeks and held meetings with Taliban officials, including the group’s foreign minister.
According to official statements, both sides described the discussions as “positive” and stressed continued cooperation to achieve peace and stability.
The Taliban has also spoken of progress in the process, although it has not provided details of any concrete measures.
Dawn reported that some unofficial accounts suggest Taliban forces have taken limited action against certain armed groups in border regions, though the claims have not been independently verified.
The report added that local sources have described a relative reduction in clashes in some border areas in recent months, partly attributing the trend to local tribal agreements on both sides of the frontier.
Dispute Over Armed Groups
Pakistan is demanding decisive Taliban action against militant groups, including possible arrests, disarmament or extradition of fighters.
The Taliban, however, appears reluctant to engage in direct confrontation with such groups and prefers to avoid escalating internal tensions.
Shift Towards Multilateral Diplomacy
The failure of bilateral efforts, as well as previous mediation attempts by countries such as Qatar, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, has led to the emergence of a new multilateral diplomatic track.
China is seen as particularly well placed to play this role because of its economic influence, close ties with Pakistan and expanding relations with the Taliban.
Pakistani analysts believe Beijing is seeking not only to reduce security tensions but also to advance broader goals such as strengthening regional connectivity and protecting major economic projects, especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Dawn said continued Urumqi talks could offer an important opportunity to rebuild trust between Islamabad and Kabul. However, the newspaper noted that success would depend on factors including flexibility from both sides, practical security measures and the creation of sustainable mechanisms for dialogue.
