China on Thursday welcomed the temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan while condemning the killing of Iranian leaders and attacks on civilians amid rising tensions in the region.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular press briefing after Pakistan announced a “temporary pause” in Operation Ghazab Lil Haq against the Afghan Taliban and terrorists in the neighbouring country on request of mediating countries and the upcoming Eidul Fitr holidays.
Lin said China hoped that both countries would remain calm and restrained, resume peace talks promptly, achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible, resolve differences through dialogue, and jointly maintain peace and stability between the two countries and in the region.
He said China appreciated the efforts made by relevant Islamic countries, and was mediating the conflict via its own channels, adding that China was willing to continue playing a constructive role in this regard.
Lin also condemned the killing of Iranian leaders and said Beijing opposed the use of force, adding that attacks on civilian targets were “unacceptable”.
“The killing of Iranian leaders and attacks on civilian targets are by no means acceptable,” he said in response to a question.
The remarks came after reports that Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was killed in an Israeli strike. China has repeatedly called for restraint and a peaceful resolution as the conflict intensifies.
China on Tuesday announced emergency humanitarian assistance for Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq, citing worsening humanitarian conditions amid ongoing regional conflict.
Speaking at a regular briefing in Beijing, Lin said the conflict had caused “excruciating humanitarian disasters” affecting people in Iran and other countries in the region.
“China deeply sympathises with people in relevant countries and our hearts go out to them,” he said.
Lin added that China would continue efforts to promote peace and a ceasefire, facilitate the early restoration of regional stability, and prevent the humanitarian crisis from worsening.
Gulf Arab states are pressing the United States not to stop short in its campaign against Iran, urging it to neutralise Tehran’s ability to threaten the region’s oil lifeline, sources and diplomats told Reuters.
Tribal elders demand Torkham border opening for return of Afghan refugees
Elders of Afghan Refugees Council from Kohat, led by Malik Mujahid Shinwari, Malik Awal Khan and Malik Shah Mahmood demanded from government that the decision of the mega operation be held completely and all Afghan refugees be given time till Eid to spend Eid-ul-Fitr with their families in Pakistan.
Addressing a press conference here at Peshawar Press Club on Thursday, they said that after Eid, we will must go to Afghanistan.
Malik Awal Khan said that we are grateful to Pakistan for hosting us for 46 years when our honor was in danger at the hands of Russia. He said that Pakistani government should return the money owed to Afghan businessmen so that they can go to Afghanistan and live a peaceful life.
He said that the children who are studying should be provided with opportunities to complete their education because there is no educational institution in Afghanistan at this time due to lack of infrastructure.
He further said that the UNHCR has played a very disappointing role during the migration of Afghan refugees to Afghanistan. UNHCR should provide basic facilities to the Afghan refugees migrating to Afghanistan, he added.
Representatives of Afghan Refugees Council of Kohat demanded that all Afghan refugees imprisoned in the jails of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa be released for Eid so that they can spend the joys of Eid with their families and children and return to Afghanistan in a good manner.