China urges restraint as tensions rise between Pakistan and Afghanistan

China has appealed for an immediate ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan, expressing serious concern over the recent escalation in hostilities. According to AFP, Beijing said it is in communication with both sides in an effort to help de-escalate the situation.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China was “deeply concerned” following reports that Pakistan carried out airstrikes on major Afghan cities, including Kabul. Speaking at a routine press briefing, she urged both countries to remain calm, exercise restraint and move swiftly towards a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.

She added that China has consistently sought to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan through diplomatic channels and remains ready to play a constructive role in reducing tensions. The foreign ministry, along with Chinese embassies in Islamabad and Kabul, is engaged with relevant authorities in both countries to address the crisis.

Operation Ghazab lil-Haq

Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched after what Pakistani officials described as unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban forces along multiple points of the Pak-Afghan border. Security sources said Taliban fighters opened fire in areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, prompting a swift and coordinated counter-offensive by Pakistan’s armed forces.

In a significant development, Pakistani troops captured five Afghan posts in the Paktia region opposite South Waziristan, raising the national flag over the seized positions. The posts included two across from Shawal, two opposite Angoor Adda and one near Zarmalan. During the operation, forces also destroyed an Afghan terminal at Angoor Adda. Officials said Afghan Taliban fighters were forced to retreat as Pakistan employed air power, artillery and quadcopters to target militant positions and command centres.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that 133 Taliban operatives had been killed and more than 200 injured, with further casualties likely as operations continue. He said 27 posts were destroyed and nine captured, while key defence installations in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar were targeted. The operation reportedly neutralised over 36 tanks, as well as artillery guns and armoured personnel carriers, and destroyed major command and logistics infrastructure, including corps and brigade headquarters and ammunition depots.

Heavy losses were reported in sectors including Chitral, Bajaur, Tirah, Mohmand, Kurram and Arandu. Officials emphasised that Pakistan’s armed forces remain fully prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and warned that any future aggression would be met with an even stronger response.