China Mediates Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Talks

Pakistan and Afghanistan have resumed peace talks in Urumqi, China, from April 1-7, mediated by China, to address months of escalating cross-border conflict. The conflict, which began in February, has resulted in hundreds of deaths and displaced 94,000 people, with 100,000 cut off in border districts, according to the International — United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants, particularly the Pakistani Taliban, who launch attacks on Pakistani soil, a charge Afghanistan denies. Both sides have engaged in cross-border shelling and airstrikes, with Afghanistan accusing Pakistan of targeting civilians and Pakistan denying these claims, stating its strikes were against military facilities. China's mediation efforts, including visits by special envoys and meetings between foreign ministers Ishaq Dar and Wang Yi, aim to de-escalate tensions and find a comprehensive solution. While previous mediation efforts by Qatar and Turkey failed, the current talks have been described as constructive, with both Pakistan and Afghanistan agreeing not to escalate the conflict and to explore a comprehensive solution. Pakistan's military commanders, led by Asim Munir, have vowed to continue counterterrorism operations until militant safe havens are eliminated. Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi thanked China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates for their mediation efforts.