Overview
- China’s Foreign Ministry urged an immediate ceasefire and direct talks, with special envoy Yue Xiaoyong shuttling between Kabul and Islamabad from March 7–14.
- Afghan officials said a Pakistani airstrike on a Kabul drug rehabilitation facility killed about 400 people and wounded more than 200 in a developing toll, while Pakistan denied targeting civilians.
- Pakistan’s Foreign Office reaffirmed a policy of non-engagement with the Taliban government until Kabul provides verifiable action against TTP and other militants, citing UN reporting as evidence.
- Islamabad rejected reports that it spurned Chinese mediation, stressing close coordination with Beijing and regular high-level contacts, including calls involving Wang Yi and Ishaq Dar.
- China called the neighbors “countries that cannot be moved away,” pressed for face-to-face talks, and asked both sides to safeguard Chinese nationals, institutions, and corridor projects tied to CPEC.