Pakistan Rejects Reports of Refusing China's Mediation for Talks with Taliban
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has rejected media reports claiming it refused China's request for talks with the Taliban, describing them as 'baseless.'
Taher Andrabi, spokesperson for Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, said on Monday that any speculation or distortion of facts in this regard has no basis. He emphasized that Pakistan and China remain 'reliable partners and close friends' and maintain close contact and coordination on all matters of common interest.
China has reiterated the need to reduce tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan. Lin Jian, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, said the most important priority is to prevent the expansion of conflicts and for both sides to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible. He added that Beijing is ready to continue its mediation efforts to reduce tensions and improve relations between Kabul and Islamabad.
The statements come amid ongoing conflicts between the Taliban and Pakistan that have lasted 19 days, including Pakistani airstrikes on more than ten provinces in Afghanistan.
According to United Nations statistics, at least 75 civilians have been killed and 193 others wounded following Pakistan's attacks on parts of the country.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Sources (1)
More in Security
Iran's IRGC Warns of Imminent Attacks on US-Linked Industries in Region
Pakistan Airstrikes Hit Drug Rehabilitation Hospital in Kabul, Islamic Emirate Spokesman Says
Maulvi Hanafi: Defending Nation and Islamic Emirate Obligatory if Sovereignty Violated
Pakistani Shelling in Afghanistan's Khost Province Causes Civilian Casualties, Taliban Officials Say
ReliableIran's IRGC Warns of Imminent Attacks on US-Linked Industries in Region
Iran's IRGC warned of imminent attacks on US-linked industries in the region, urging evacuation of US-affiliated facilities and nearby residents. The statement coincides with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's vow to continue fighting until US President Donald Trump recognizes the war against Iran as a mistake.
ReliablePakistan Airstrikes Hit Drug Rehabilitation Hospital in Kabul, Islamic Emirate Spokesman Says
Pakistani airstrikes targeted a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, killing or wounding civilians including addicts under treatment, according to the Islamic Emirate spokesman and health officials. The attack drew condemnation from Taliban officials and former President Hamid Karzai amid rising Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions.
ReliableMaulvi Hanafi: Defending Nation and Islamic Emirate Obligatory if Sovereignty Violated
Maulvi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Administrative Head of the Prime Minister's Office, stated that defending Afghanistan's nation and Islamic Emirate is obligatory if sovereignty is violated, amid condemnation of recent Pakistani attacks by political analysts. Hanafi expressed regret over civilian casualties and praised national unity in response.
ReliablePakistani Shelling in Afghanistan's Khost Province Causes Civilian Casualties, Taliban Officials Say
Pakistani artillery and mortar shells hit civilian areas in Afghanistan's Khost province overnight, killing at least one and wounding several including women and children, Taliban officials said, though reports differed on locations and numbers. A separate civilian death was reported in Nuristan province.