Pakistan, once burdened by persistent allegations of complicity in terrorism, is now actively positioning itself on the other side of that divide - supporting ceasefire efforts in the Middle East, opening channels of dialogue and presenting itself as a country invested in de-escalation. Alongside that, China continues to expand its role as a stabilising force, using diplomacy and economic leverage to prevent fault lines from turning into crises.

It is within this broader context that the recent Urumqi talks – held from April 1 to 7 between China, Pakistan and Afghanistan – must be understood. The talks did not produce dramatic headlines or grand declarations, yet its importance lies in the clarity it offered.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning explicitly identified terrorism as the "core issue" affecting ties between Kabul and Islamabad. This reflects a growing regional consensus that the instability between Pakistan and Afghanistan is no longer about political misunderstandings or diplomatic gaps. It........

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