China lauds Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar for Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire

China on Thursday lauded the role of Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar in the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Welcoming the ceasefire announced by Islamabad and Kabul, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing hopes that the two countries "will stay calm, exercise restraint, resume peace talks as soon as possible, realize a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire at an early date, properly handle differences and disputes through dialogue and jointly keep the two countries and the region peaceful and stable."

Islamic countries' mediation

"China commends efforts made by relevant Islamic countries," Lin said, referring to the role played by Ankara, Riyadh, and Doha to achieve the ceasefire. He said China has been "mediating between the sides through its own channels and stands ready to continue playing a constructive role in this effort," indicating Beijing's interest in regional stability.

Eid pause

Pakistan said Wednesday it "temporarily" paused its "military operation" in Afghanistan for the Muslim holiday of Eid, following requests from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Later, Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid also announced a temporary halt to its operations ahead of Eid al-Fitr, citing goodwill and requests from the three countries.

Conflict background

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have worsened in recent weeks as border tensions escalated, causing casualties and property damage. Since late February, cross-border clashes have killed at least 107 people on both sides, including 13 soldiers and five civilians in Pakistan, with one soldier still missing. Afghan authorities report that 13 soldiers and 76 civilians have been killed in Afghanistan, excluding the latest casualties from Monday's strike. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported 76 civilian deaths and 213 injuries in Afghanistan between February 26 and March 16.

Ongoing accusations

The UN toll excludes the incident at the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul late Monday, in which Afghan officials claim 408 people were killed by Pakistani airstrikes. Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of harboring anti-Pakistan militant groups, which Kabul denies. The ceasefire offers a potential diplomatic opening to address the underlying tensions.