Pakistan and China put forward five-point plan to ease Middle East tensions

The initiative was unveiled after a meeting between Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Wang Yi in Beijing, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.

Both sides stressed the urgency of an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning against further escalation and calling for enhanced efforts to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected areas.

The proposed initiative includes an immediate ceasefire, the prompt launch of peace negotiations, the protection of civilians, the safeguarding of shipping lanes, and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter.

Pakistan and China emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving the conflict, underscoring the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran and other Gulf states.

They also called for an end to attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure, and urged that civilian and commercial vessels be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The two countries reaffirmed their support for achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace based on international law and the framework of the United Nations.

The initiative comes amid ongoing regional escalation since February 28, when Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran, resulting in hundreds of deaths, including senior political and security figures. Iran has responded with missile and drone strikes toward Israeli-controlled areas, while also targeting what it describes as American interests in Arab countries, with some attacks causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, prompting condemnation from affected states.