China urges calm as border tensions escalate between Pakistan and Afghanistan

WEB DESK: In a high-level diplomatic intervention, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, via telephone on Friday. Mr Wang emphasised that disputes between the two neighbours must be resolved through “dialogue and consultation” rather than military force.

According to Dawn News, the Chinese Foreign Ministry released a statement following the call, noting that any further use of force would only serve to “complicate the situation and intensify tensions.”

A resurgence of violence and retaliation

The diplomatic push from Beijing follows a significant spike in hostilities along the Durand Line. Tensions reached a breaking point following a devastating vehicle-borne suicide attack on a Pakistani security post in the Bajaur district on 16 February. The assault, claimed by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), resulted in the deaths of 11 Pakistani soldiers and a young girl.

Investigators later identified the suicide bomber as a member of the Afghan Taliban’s special forces from Balkh province, a revelation that has further strained relations. In response, Pakistan conducted targeted strikes against terror camps and infrastructure within Afghan territory. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has remained firm, stating that Pakistan will continue operations against perpetrators of “heinous and cowardly acts” regardless of their location, citing the continued use of Afghan soil by militants.

The search for regional stability

The deteriorating relationship between Islamabad and Kabul marks a sharp decline since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021. Despite repeated urges from Pakistan to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries specifically those linked to the TTP officials in Islamabad claim these appeals have largely gone unheeded. The situation is further complicated by allegations of external interference, with the ISPR previously noting “unprovoked attacks” launched by a combination of Afghan forces and “India-sponsored” elements.

Beyond the immediate border conflict, Foreign Ministers Wang and Muttaqi also discussed the broader regional context, including the ongoing situation in Iran. Wang expressed Beijing’s willingness to collaborate with the international community and the Afghan administration to foster peace across the region. For now, however, the priority remains a ceasefire and face-to-face talks to prevent the current border friction from spiralling into a wider conflict.