Beijing (TDI): Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their disputes through dialogue rather than force, stressing the need for restraint amid rising tensions between the two neighbours.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang made the remarks during a phone call with Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Wang called on both sides to remain calm, exercise restraint, hold face-to-face talks as soon as possible, and work toward an immediate ceasefire to address differences through consultation. He warned that further use of force would only complicate the situation and intensify tensions in the region.
The statement came after Pakistan carried out strikes targeting militant camps and infrastructure inside Afghanistan earlier on Friday.
During the conversation, Wang and Muttaqi also discussed the evolving situation in Iran, with the Chinese foreign minister saying China was willing to cooperate with the international community, including Afghanistan, to help bring peace and stability to the country.
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Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated amid a surge in militant attacks since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Afghan authorities to dismantle militant sanctuaries on their territory, particularly those linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Tensions escalated following a February 16 suicide attack on a joint security forces post in the Bajaur district near the Afghan border. Militants attempted to breach the Malangi check post by ramming an explosives-laden vehicle into its perimeter wall after an exchange of fire, killing 11 Pakistani soldiers. A young girl also died in the blast, while seven others, including women and children, were injured when a nearby residential building was damaged.
Investigators identified the suicide bomber as Amad, also known as Qari Abdullah or Abu Zar, who was allegedly linked to Afghan Taliban special forces from Balkh province. The TTP claimed responsibility for the attack.
A few days later, another suicide attack during an intelligence-based operation in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed a lieutenant colonel and a soldier.
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Pakistan’s military has maintained that militants are using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside the country. The Inter-Services Public Relations said operations against the perpetrators would continue wherever they may be located.
Earlier, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif had warned that Islamabad would not hesitate to carry out strikes inside Afghanistan if cross-border attacks continued.
Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid had previously accused Pakistan of conducting airstrikes in Khost, Kunar and Paktika provinces, claims Islamabad did not officially confirm at the time.
The latest developments highlight increasing tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border even as regional powers such as China call for diplomatic solutions.
