Pakistan has placed the onus on Afghanistan to end ongoing hostilities between the neighbouring countries, saying the Afghan side must take concrete steps to stop violence and fulfil its security obligations. The statement came as the two nations held diplomatic engagements aimed at reducing cross‑border tensions that have escalated into serious conflict.

The dispute stems from longstanding accusations by Islamabad that Kabul is harbouring and failing to curb militant groups — particularly Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — which Pakistan says use Afghan territory to launch attacks on Pakistani soil. Afghan authorities have repeatedly rejected these claims, describing militancy issues as Pakistan’s internal matter.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry underscored that Kabul has a responsibility to act decisively to halt armed incursions and sever militant safe havens, framing this as a crucial step toward restoring peace. Islamabad also welcomed efforts by mediators, including China, to facilitate dialogue and ease tensions.

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To address the conflict, senior officials from both sides began talks in the Chinese city of Urumqi, with Beijing acting as a mediator to pursue a ceasefire and reopening of border crossings for trade and travel. While Pakistan expressed appreciation for China’s involvement, negotiators acknowledged that challenges remain as both parties seek common ground.

The broader context reflects the worst bout of hostilities between Islamabad and Kabul in years, triggered after Pakistan conducted air and ground strikes in Afghan provinces earlier this year, prompting Afghan retaliation and sustained clashes along the 2,600‑kilometre shared border. Independent reports say these confrontations have resulted in significant casualties and damage on both sides, with each government offering contrasting accounts of military actions and responsibility.

Regional and international actors have repeatedly called for restraint and negotiations. China has publicly welcomed temporary ceasefires and emphasised the importance of dialogue, while past mediation efforts by Qatar and Turkey have also sought to bridge differences, albeit without producing a lasting peace agreement.

As Pakistan continues to urge Afghanistan to take the lead in ending hostilities, diplomatic efforts in Urumqi and other venues suggest both governments recognise the necessity of negotiations — even as deep mistrust and security concerns make a durable resolution elusive. The onus, Islamabad insists, lies with Kabul to act on its commitments and curb militant activity from Afghan territory.

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