Amid rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, China has stepped forward to mediate and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed Beijing’s readiness to assist in resolving the tensions during a phone call with Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister.

China’s special envoy for Afghanistan is actively shuttling between Kabul and Islamabad to encourage dialogue and reconciliation.

The ministry’s statement emphasized: “China hopes both sides maintain calm, conduct face-to-face talks as soon as possible, establish a ceasefire, and resolve disputes through dialogue.”

Analysts, however, caution that while the mediation may help reduce short-term tensions, the conflict may persist unless Pakistan’s policy toward Afghanistan changes.

The Islamic Emirate has reiterated that it seeks no conflict with neighbors but reserves the right to defend Afghanistan’s territory.

India has condemned recent airstrikes carried out by Pakistan inside Afghanistan, describing the attacks as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and a threat to civilian safety.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the strikes resulted in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.

Spokesperson Randeep Jaiswal stated that the incident underscores what India described as Pakistan’s continued aggressive actions in the region.

At the same time, criticism has also emerged from within Pakistan. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, criticized Islamabad’s foreign policy, saying years of poor decisions have strained Pakistan’s relations with neighboring countries including India, Afghanistan, China and Iran.

According to reports, Pakistani strikes late Thursday targeted areas in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia Province and Paktika Province. At least four civilians were killed and 14 others injured, while several homes and other civilian facilities were damaged.

Officials of the Islamic Emirate said the attacks would not go unanswered and reported carrying out retaliatory aerial responses. Authorities also emphasized that Afghanistan seeks peaceful relations with its neighbors but will defend its territory when necessary.

The strikes have drawn criticism from citizens, regional political figures and international organizations, increasing concern about rising tensions in the region.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has condemned recent airstrikes by Pakistan on Afghanistan’s territory.

In a statement, Ministry spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal said the attacks resulted in the deaths of several civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

He described the strikes as yet another act of aggression by Pakistan, which continues to oppose the idea of an independent Afghanistan.

India reiterated that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected.