Pakistan, China call for peace in Middle East after high-level talks in Beijing

Pakistan and China on Tuesday launched a joint five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the broader Middle East, following high-level talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

According to an official statement from the Foreign Office, the meeting “was marked by traditional warmth and cordiality,” with both dignitaries exchanging notes on regional developments in West Asia as well as on bilateral relations.

Dar briefed his Chinese counterpart on Pakistan’s efforts to achieve a cessation of conflict and resume dialogue in the region, including the recent Islamabad meeting of foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt.

“Both sides reviewed the regional security environment and expressed deep concern over its serious socio-economic repercussions on developing countries,” the statement said.

FM Yi “conveyed China’s appreciation and support to Pakistan’s active diplomatic role and efforts towards ending the conflict and promoting peace in West Asia,” it added.

The ministers also discussed bilateral relations, highlighting “growing momentum” in strategic cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0, high-level exchanges, and communication amid the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Both sides also exchanged views on Afghanistan, emphasising “the importance of peace, stability, and coordinated counterterrorism efforts.”

Pakistan, China unveil 5-point Gulf peace plan

Pakistan and China on Tuesday jointly proposed a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the broader Middle East.

According to the joint statement, both sides stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging all parties to prevent the conflict from spreading and to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to war-affected areas.

They also called for the early resumption of peace talks, underlining that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable paths to resolving disputes. The statement emphasised the importance of safeguarding the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of Iran and the Gulf states, while urging all parties to refrain from the use or threat of force during negotiations.

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Highlighting concerns over civilian safety, the two countries underscored the need to protect non-military targets. They called on all parties to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law and halt attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, desalination plants, and peaceful nuclear installations.

They also voiced concern over disruptions to global trade, stressing the need to ensure the security of shipping lanes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. They called for the safe passage of commercial vessels and the restoration of normal maritime traffic at the earliest opportunity.

Reaffirming their commitment to multilateralism, both countries emphasised the primacy of the United Nations Charter, urging the international community to support efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace framework in line with international law.

The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, resulting in a war that has claimed the lives of at least 1,937 civilians in Iran, according to Al Jazeera.