In a recent diplomatic exchange, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of dialogue and peaceful negotiation to resolve the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. During a phone conversation with his Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi, Wang stressed that disputes should be settled through consultation rather than military force. This appeal comes amid a sharp rise in hostilities along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which has alarmed regional observers and complicated efforts for stability.
Wang urged both nations to maintain calm and exercise restraint, highlighting the urgent need for face-to-face talks to de-escalate the situation. He called for an immediate ceasefire and encouraged both sides to address their differences through diplomatic channels. The Chinese foreign ministry’s statement underscored that further use of force would only deepen the conflict and exacerbate existing tensions, potentially destabilizing an already fragile region.
The statement was released shortly after Pakistan conducted a significant military operation targeting a fuel depot near Kandahar airport in Afghanistan during the night of March 12-13. This strike marked a notable intensification in the conflict between the two neighbors, despite ongoing Chinese mediation efforts aimed at fostering peace. Security officials shared video evidence showing Pakistani military aircraft bombing oil storage facilities at Kandahar airfield, which were reportedly being used by the Afghan Taliban and other terrorist groups to support their operations.
These strikes were part of Pakistan’s “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” a campaign aimed at dismantling militant infrastructure along the porous border. Pakistani security sources confirmed that the operation would continue until all objectives were met, signaling a determined effort to curb cross-border terrorism. The Pakistani military claims that the targeted oil depots were critical for Taliban logistics and terrorist activities, justifying the airstrikes as a necessary measure to protect national security.
In addition to discussing the Pakistan-Afghanistan situation, Wang and Muttaqi also exchanged views on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Wang expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with the international community, including Afghanistan, to promote peace and stability in Iran, reflecting Beijing’s broader diplomatic ambitions in the region.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has faced a surge in terrorist attacks originating from across the border, especially in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. These regions share a long and often volatile frontier with Afghanistan, making them vulnerable to militant infiltration. In response, Pakistan launched “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 650 Afghan Taliban fighters within Pakistan and along the border areas.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar provided detailed figures on the operation’s impact, stating that more than 855 Taliban militants have been injured, 243 militant checkposts destroyed, 42 fighters captured, and 219 military vehicles, including tanks and artillery, eliminated. Prior to this operation, Pakistan had also targeted seven terrorist camps affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK), Daesh-Khorasan, and other extremist groups along the border, particularly in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces. These airstrikes reportedly killed over 80 militants, showcasing Pakistan’s intensified counterterrorism efforts.
It is worth noting that tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have flared repeatedly in recent years. Back in October 2025, both countries engaged in fierce border clashes after Taliban militants launched unprovoked attacks on Pakistani border posts. These confrontations resulted in the deaths of more than 200 Taliban fighters and affiliated militants, while Pakistan mourned the loss of 23 soldiers who died defending their territory. Despite numerous rounds of dialogue, efforts to reach a lasting agreement have been hindered by the Afghan Taliban regime’s reluctance to take decisive action against terrorist groups operating from its soil.
As the situation remains volatile, China’s call for restraint and dialogue underscores the urgent need for peaceful conflict resolution in this strategically important region. With Pakistan and Afghanistan locked in a cycle of violence and mistrust, the international community watches closely, hoping that diplomatic engagement can pave the way for stability and security along their shared border.
