Seven people were killed and 13 injured in a shooting by unidentified armed men in Herat province, said Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani.

Qani added that after midday on Friday, unidentified gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on a group of civilians who had gathered for recreation near a picnic area in Qabarzon village, Injil district of Herat province.

According to Qani, initial information indicates that 7 people were killed and 13 others wounded in the attack. The condition of some of the injured is reported to be critical.

The United Kingdom has welcomed recent diplomatic engagements between Afghanistan and Pakistan, emphasizing that sustained dialogue remains the most effective path toward reducing tensions and achieving long-term stability.

Richard Lindsay, the UK’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, described the latest round of talks as a positive step forward. He praised the engagement between both sides and urged continued efforts to reach a comprehensive resolution.

“I welcome the recent interactions between the negotiating teams of Afghanistan and Pakistan and encourage continued dialogue to reach a comprehensive solution. Dialogue remains the only way to reduce tensions and achieve sustainable peace,” Lindsay said.

The week-long discussions, held in Urumqi, involved diplomatic, defense, and security officials from both countries. The talks concluded with a preliminary agreement aimed at immediate de-escalation, with participants committing to practical measures to manage tensions and prevent further escalation.

Chinese officials noted that both sides agreed on steps to stabilize the situation, signaling cautious optimism after a period of strained relations.

Regional analysts have underscored the importance of maintaining diplomatic momentum, warning that prolonged instability could worsen broader security challenges. They stress that constructive engagement between Kabul and Islamabad is essential to prevent further deterioration.

Following the initial round, expectations are rising for a second phase of talks at a higher diplomatic level—potentially paving the way for concrete measures to ease tensions and reinforce regional stability.

Afghanistan’s Defense Minister, Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, held talks with China’s Ambassador to Kabul, Zhao Xing, focusing on security cooperation and regional stability, officials said.

According to Defense Ministry spokesperson Enayatullah Khwarazmi, the meeting covered bilateral relations, political engagement, and evolving regional developments. Both sides discussed ways to enhance coordination on shared concerns, particularly maintaining stability and preventing cross-border security threats.

The Chinese envoy outlined Beijing’s position on the Urumqi discussions and reiterated China’s readiness to expand cooperation with Afghanistan. He emphasized dialogue-driven approaches and expressed support for initiatives aimed at promoting long-term regional peace and economic collaboration.

Mujahid said that with internal security largely consolidated, Afghanistan is now prioritizing regional stability. He stressed that dialogue remains the most effective path to addressing challenges and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty.

He added that the current approach is based on patience, mutual respect, and understanding, while underscoring that defending the country against any form of aggression remains a legitimate right and national responsibility.

Both sides concluded by emphasizing the need to build mutual trust, deepen bilateral cooperation, and expand regional partnerships.