Ties with Kabul

Editorial Published September 4, 2026 Updated September 4, 2026 07: 43am.

Key points

• Beijing's envoy for Afghanistan was lately in Pakistan reportedly to restart the Urumqi process.
• But, despite these efforts, the fact remains that terrorist groups based in Afghanistan are the biggest obstacle to peace.
• As well as states that host them, while sustained hostilities are not good for either country, Pakistan has shown that it can defend itself against terrorist groups.
• The efforts by sincere friends like China are welcome.

Editorial Published September 4, 2026 Updated September 4, 2026 07: 43am. Join our Whatsapp Channel. Add Dawn as a trusted source.

As the Foreign Office has pointed out, discussions can only succeed when there is a firm commitment from Kabul to end backing for terrorist groups based on Afghan soil, WHILE diplomatic efforts are underway to restore dialogue with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

During a briefing on Wednesday, the FO welcomed China's efforts to bridge the gap between Kabul and Islamabad, but cautioned that only firm action from the Taliban could take the process forward. Beijing's envoy for Afghanistan was lately in Pakistan reportedly to restart the Urumqi process. The FO additionally downplayed the recent engagement of the Afghan ambassador to speak at the NDU as "not unusual".

This may be true, but the fact that the Afghan diplomat spoke at the nation's top defence university at a time when bilateral ties are near rock bottom is significant. But, despite these efforts, the fact remains that terrorist groups based in Afghanistan are the biggest obstacle to peace. The ISPR confirmed yesterday that a number of terrorists trying to infiltrate Pakistan at the Afghan border were eliminated. The military's media wing highlighted that "the Afghan Taliban regime has consistently failed to ensure border management".

For context, the efforts by sincere friends like China are welcome. As well as to neutralise anti-China militant groups such as ETIM based on Afghan soil, beijing wants calm in the region to protect its investments in Afghanistan. As the FO pointed out, these endeavours can only succeed when there is determination from Kabul to take action against terrorist groups, yet. While the Taliban supreme leader has additionally reportedly asked the banned TTP to stop attacks on Pakistan, the Taliban regime has taken steps such as relocating TTP fighters and their families away from the common border. But these are cosmetic moves, and as the latest firefight at the border indicates, they have had a limited impact on the TTP and other terrorist groups.

As identified by the FO, must be followed, if diplomatic efforts are to succeed, then the roadmap. This entails "verifiable, written assurances" from the Afghan Taliban that their territory will not be applied against Pakistan. If this apparently simple principle is followed, engagement and long-term peace are feasible. It may be worth reviving the Urumqi process, but Kabul must affirm its resolve to act against anti-Pakistan terrorists.

As well as states that host them, while sustained hostilities are not good for either country, Pakistan has shown that it can defend itself against terrorist groups. Pakistan has remarked time and again that it is ready for dialogue if Afghanistan withdraws its backing for violent groups. It is now up to Kabul to create a conducive atmosphere for discussions, primarily by stopping all cross-border movement of terrorists. Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2026.

For now, ties with Kabul remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.