Summary Pakistan and China issue a five-point initiative to halt hostilities and promote peace talks in the Gulf and Middle East amid ongoing conflict involving Iran.
BEIJING (Dunya News) – Pakistan and China on Tuesday unveiled a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East, as tensions escalate amid the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign in Iran.
The initiative was announced following a bilateral meeting in Beijing between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China and member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Wang Yi, and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The discussions focused on regional developments and measures to prevent further escalation in the Gulf and Middle East.
According to an official statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the two sides put forward five key points: an immediate cessation of hostilities, initiation of peace talks, protection of civilians and non-military infrastructure, security of shipping lanes, and upholding the primacy of the United Nations Charter.
Immediate cessation of hostilities
The first point emphasises the urgent need for halting military action and ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches all affected regions. Both countries stressed that preventing the conflict from spreading is a priority, underlining the importance of protecting civilians and providing aid to war-torn areas.
“The immediate cessation of hostilities and utmost efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading are necessary,” the statement said. “Humanitarian assistance must be allowed to all war-affected areas without obstruction.”
Start of peace talks
Both China and Pakistan called for swift commencement of peace negotiations, highlighting that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable mechanisms for resolving the conflict. The statement reiterated that the sovereignty, territorial integrity, national independence, and security of Iran and Gulf states must be respected during these discussions.
“China and Pakistan support the relevant parties in initiating talks, with all sides committing to peaceful resolution of disputes and refraining from the use or threat of force during peace talks,” the statement added.
China’s foreign ministry previously described the process of initiating peace talks in the conflict as challenging but necessary to restore regional stability and normal navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Protection of civilians and infrastructure
The third point of the initiative focused on civilian protection and adherence to International Humanitarian Law. Both nations urged all parties involved in the conflict to immediately halt attacks on civilians and non-military targets, including critical infrastructure such as energy plants, desalination facilities, power networks, and peaceful nuclear installations.
“The principle of protecting civilians in military conflict should be observed at all times,” the statement noted.
Security of shipping lanes
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping corridor for goods and energy, remains a particular concern. China and Pakistan called for ensuring the safe passage of civilian and commercial vessels, the protection of crew members, and the restoration of normal shipping operations through the Strait.
“The Strait of Hormuz, together with its adjacent waters, is an important global shipping route. Parties should protect the security of ships and crew, allow safe passage, and restore normal navigation as soon as possible,” the statement said.
Primacy of United Nations Charter
Finally, the initiative highlighted the need for a multilateral approach, reinforcing the primacy of the United Nations and international law. Both countries urged collaborative efforts to establish a comprehensive peace framework aimed at achieving lasting stability in the region.
“China and Pakistan call for efforts to practice true multilateralism, jointly strengthen the primacy of the United Nations, and support the conclusion of a comprehensive peace framework based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law,” the statement added.
Ishaq Dar in Beijing
Earlier in the day, China confirmed that it would enhance cooperation with Pakistan on Iran-related matters. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning described the two countries as “all-weather strategic partners,” highlighting the importance of joint strategic communication and advocacy for peace.
Senator Ishaq Dar arrived in Beijing late Tuesday afternoon and was received by high-ranking officials, followed by a bilateral meeting with Minister Wang Yi at the Diaoytai State Guest House. This marks Dar’s second official visit to Beijing in 2026, reflecting the ongoing close coordination and regular consultation between Islamabad and Beijing on regional developments and international issues.
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, welcomed Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts, describing them as proactive initiatives based on goodwill to restore peace and stability in the region. The ambassador highlighted Pakistan’s “good office” in facilitating dialogue aimed at halting US-Israeli military aggression.
The envoy’s statement followed a four-country meeting hosted by Pakistan over the weekend with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt. The session, attended by foreign ministers from the respective countries, emphasised the need for de-escalation, dialogue, and structured negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
In public remarks, Dar indicated that Pakistan may host direct US-Iran talks in the coming days, positioning Islamabad as a potential venue for high-level negotiations. The process, officials confirmed, involves structured indirect exchanges between Washington and Tehran rather than direct contact, with Pakistan coordinating closely with Riyadh, Ankara, and Cairo.
The visit and joint initiative underline the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, described by officials as “all-weather,” with sustained collaboration on regional peace, security, and development. In prior communications, Wang Yi acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting stability and de-escalation amid the Middle East conflict, noting the value of Islamabad’s mediation in easing tensions and ensuring the safety of vital shipping routes.
