Pakistan, China discuss security threats related to Afghanistan

Kabul Times News - Islamabad

The special representatives of Pakistan and China on Afghanistan discussed the security situation in the region and the challenges posed by the activities of armed groups in a meeting in Islamabad.

Pakistan's special representative for Afghanistan, Muhammad Sadiq Khan, announced that the issue of security threats and ways to strengthen joint cooperation to counter them were discussed in this meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Yu Xiaoyong.

According to him, the two sides discussed in particular the activities of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement. Sadiq Khan claimed that these groups operate from Afghan soil and are a threat to the security and stability of the region.

He wrote in a message on the social network X: "Constructive discussions were held on regional security, including the threats posed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, which operate from Afghan soil."
He added that the two countries have agreed to expand their coordination and cooperation in the fight against terrorism to support regional peace and stability.

However, the Chinese special representative has not yet officially commented on the details of the meeting.

The meeting took place while Yu Xiaoyong traveled to Kabul in the last week of May and met with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Taliban foreign minister.

According to the Taliban foreign ministry, the two sides discussed the Urumqi talks process, bilateral relations and regional security issues. The meeting also emphasized the importance of continuing regional cooperation and strengthening political dialogue.

According to the ministry’s press release, the Chinese special representative considered the Urumqi talks process an important framework for regional coordination and strengthening stability and emphasized its continuation.

Amir Khan Muttaqi also said that the next stage of these talks should pave the way for achieving practical results, and this requires trust-building, constructive interaction and greater understanding between the parties involved.

Analysts see the recent meeting between Pakistani and Chinese officials as part of growing regional consultations on the situation in Afghanistan and the security concerns of neighboring countries over developments in the country.
Reporter Shahbanu Noori