K J M Varma

Theweek-long China-mediated talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan to end fighting concluded without an agreement, with Beijing maintaining that Islamabad and Kabul have agreed to explore a "comprehensive solution" to resolve their differences.

Representatives from China, Afghanistan and Pakistan held informal talks from April 1 to 7 in Urumqi, the provincial capital of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday.

The China-facilitated talks were the first major diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours since Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in late February to target alleged terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan.

Pakistan accuses the Taliban-led Afghan government of sheltering the members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militant groups, which are carrying out insurgency in Pakistan with recurring attacks in several provinces.

Mao said officials from the three sides had candid and pragmatic discussions in a good atmosphere, following a problem-focused, result-oriented, and action-driven approach.

The three sides stressed that dialogue and consultation are the viable and effective way to resolve complex international disputes, including that of Pakistan and Afghanistan, she said.

They agreed to explore a comprehensive solution to address issues in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, identifying both core and priority concerns, Mao said.

Asked whether Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to meet again, Mao said, "I think it is important consensus to stay in touch, and the Urumqi process is quite meaningful. We can expect more communication at all levels in future."