Afghan Taliban Says Holding Useful Talks With Pakistan Resolve Conflict 2026 04 07
Reuters1 day
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?
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.
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.