The first round of trilateral talks between Pakistan, Afghanistan and China concluded in Urumqi on Wednesday, marking a cautious diplomatic re-engagement after weeks of heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, official sources said.
Senior officials from all three countries participated in the meeting, with Pakistan represented by Additional Foreign Secretary Syed Ali Asad Gillani. The Afghan Taliban delegation comprised six members, while China hosted and facilitated the dialogue.
According to sources, Pakistan strongly reiterated its demand for the elimination of terrorist sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, particularly those linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Islamabad also called for a verifiable and written mechanism to ensure concrete action against such groups.
