BEIJING: A high-level diplomatic engagement in Beijing between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has culminated in a five-point initiative jointly proposed by Pakistan and China.
This aims at de-escalating tensions and promoting sustainable peace and stability across the Gulf and the broader Middle East region.
Both sides called for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to prevent any further escalation or spillover of conflict. They emphasized that unhindered humanitarian assistance must be ensured, allowing aid to reach all affected populations in conflict-hit areas without delay or restriction.
The two countries highlighted the critical importance of upholding the sovereignty, territorial integrity, national independence, and security of Iran as well as the Gulf states. They reaffirmed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable and sustainable avenues for resolving disputes, urging all concerned parties to initiate meaningful negotiations, commit to peaceful solutions, and strictly refrain from the use or threat of force throughout the process.
Pakistan and China further called on all sides to immediately halt attacks targeting civilians and non-military installations, stressing full compliance with international humanitarian law.
They also emphasized the need to protect vital infrastructure, including energy installations, desalination plants, electricity facilities, and peaceful nuclear sites, warning that any damage to such assets could have far-reaching humanitarian and environmental consequences.
Addressing maritime security, both countries urged all parties to ensure the protection of vessels and crew operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz. They called for the safe and uninterrupted passage of civilian and commercial shipping, as well as the swift restoration of normal maritime operations in this strategically critical waterway.
