Pakistan is holding talks with Afghanistan to end the worst conflict between the South Asian neighbours since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, according to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
The talks in the northwestern Chinese city of Urumqi are being held between senior officials of the two countries, with China trying to mediate a negotiated settlement to the conflict.
The fighting, which began last October, has killed scores of people on both sides, and the talks will focus on a potential ceasefire and the reopening of border crossings to allow trade and travel.
Pakistan appreciates China's role as an important global player and says the efforts are mutually supplementary.
Islamabad accuses the Afghan Taliban of harbouring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants, but the Afghan Taliban denies the accusation, saying the militancy is Pakistan's domestic problem.
