ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) on Monday rubbished speculation about any misunderstanding between Pakistan and China over what it said were efforts to resolve Islamabad’s conflict with Afghanistan.
Pakistan has always welcomed the Chinese mediatory role in settling issues with Kabul. Commenting on media reports that Pakistan had turned down a Chinese role in easing Pak-Afghan border tension, the FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi commented, “Any unnecessary speculation or fabrication of facts in this regard is unwarranted”. Pakistan and China remain trusted partners and close friends. “We maintain regular and close communication on all issues of mutual concern and shared interest,” he remarked.
Andrabi highlighted that during the recent telephone conversation between the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar and the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a wide range of issues were discussed, including developments related to Afghanistan. Similarly, during the visit of the Chinese Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong, consultations were held on matters relating to regional peace and stability, including Afghanistan.
READ MORE: China begins efforts to help resolve Pak-Afghan conflict
In a media report, it was claimed that Pakistan has conveyed to China in a ‘polite manner’ that they will continue with their existing policy of non-engagement with the Taliban regime, as they have not seen any change in the attitude of Kabul on accommodating the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other terrorist organizations operating from Afghan soil. This is equivalent to saying that Pakistan has turned down yet another effort by its friendly country, China, to ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the report further claimed.
We enjoy unanimity of views on all issues, including with respect to Afghanistan. As you know, we are engaged in a dialogue process on Afghanistan. Afghanistan features both in our bilateral dialogue, as well as, in our trilateral dialogue framework, the FO spokesperson said in a media briefing last week.
With respect to the visit of the Chinese Special Envoy, we maintain close coordination with China at all levels, including at the Special Envoy’s level. So our Special Envoy, Ambassador Sadiq, is in touch with his Chinese counterpart.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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