China Welcomes Pakistan-Afghanistan Ceasefire Ahead of Eid al-Fitr
Beijing (ANTARA) - The Chinese government welcomes the temporary ceasefire agreed upon by Pakistan and Afghanistan ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
“China welcomes the temporary ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan and hopes that both countries can remain calm and exercise restraint, resume peace talks as soon as possible, and achieve a comprehensive and long-term ceasefire in the near future,” said Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lin Jian during a press conference in Beijing on Thursday (19/3).
Previously, on Wednesday (18/3), Afghanistan and Pakistan announced a temporary halt to fighting starting from Wednesday night to celebrate Eid al-Fitr until the night of 23 March.
Afghan government spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid stated that the temporary suspension of Operation Rad-ul Zulm, while Pakistan’s Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar announced the temporary halt of Operation “Ghazab-lil-Haq” in response to requests from mediators in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar.
“China hopes that both countries will properly resolve their differences and disputes through dialogue and jointly maintain peace and stability in both countries and the region,” Lin Jian said.
China, according to Lin Jian, also appreciates the efforts made by Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey.
“China itself has conducted mediation between the two parties through its own channels and is ready to continue playing a constructive role in this issue,” Lin Jian stated.
On 26 February 2026, Afghanistan launched a military operation against Pakistani bases along the Durand Line, the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan that is not recognised by Kabul, in retaliation for bombing actions.
Pakistan then announced the launch of Operation Ghazab lil Haq in response to Afghanistan’s “unprovoked firing”.
Then, in early March, Pakistan launched airstrikes against locations suspected to be militant hideouts in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces in Afghanistan.
Since late February, cross-border clashes have killed 107 people on both sides, including 13 soldiers and five civilians in Pakistan, with one soldier still missing.
According to Kabul, 13 soldiers and 476 civilians have been killed and 250 people injured in Afghanistan.
According to UN data, 185 civilian casualties, including 56 deaths from indirect fire and airstrikes, were reported in Afghanistan between 26 February and 5 March.
China’s Special Envoy for Afghan Affairs from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yue Xiaoyong, also conducted shuttle diplomacy in Afghanistan and Pakistan from 7-14 March 2026 to mediate the conflict.