Afghanistan

Afghanistan, Pakistan Hold 'Useful' Peace Talks

Are the Urumqi talks proving to be a genuine path to peace or meaningless words without Afghan action against the TTP?

Published APR 8

Afghanistan, Pakistan Hold 'Useful' Peace Talks

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Above: Zhao Xing (L) meets Amir Khan Muttaqi in Urumqi, China, on April 7, 2026. Image credit: Zia Ahmadtkl via X

The Spin

Pro-Afghanistan narrative

The Urumqi talks are proving to be a genuine step toward peace, with Afghanistan thanking China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Qatar and the UAE for their mediation efforts. Afghanistan's position is purely defensive — protecting its own territory is a legitimate right, not aggression. Minor interpretive differences shouldn't derail a process that could end a conflict that's already displaced 94,000 people.

Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal on X Afghanistan International

Pro-Pakistan narrative

Pakistan's demands at Urumqi are non-negotiable and rooted in hard security realities. Kabul must formally declare the TTP a terrorist organization, dismantle its infrastructure and provide verifiable proof. Calling talks "constructive" means nothing if Afghanistan keeps sheltering groups that kill Pakistanis. Any real peace framework hinges entirely on Kabul's willingness to act, not just talk.

The Express Tribune Al Jazeera