Top Chinese, Pakistani diplomats discuss escalating regional tensions after Kashmir attack

KARACHI, Pakistan

Top Chinese and Pakistani diplomats discussed on Sunday escalating tensions in the region after gunmen killed 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir earlier this week.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss the evolving situation, a statement by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said.

Dar briefed Wang on the current regional situation, "categorically" rejecting India’s "unilateral and illegal actions, as well as its baseless propaganda against Pakistan."

Expressing deep appreciation for China’s "consistent" and "unwavering" support, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s "strong commitment to the iron-clad Pakistan-China friendship and the shared vision of an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership."

"Both sides reiterated their firm resolve to uphold regional peace and stability, promote mutual respect and understanding, and jointly oppose unilateralism and hegemonic policies," the statement added.

The two agreed to maintain "close" communication and coordination at all levels to advance their shared objectives of peace, security, and sustainable development in the region and beyond, it added.

Dar also held a phone conversation with Foreign Minister of Egypt Badr Abdelatty.

The attack in Pahalgam has fueled a sharp escalation between India and Pakistan.

India, alleging cross-border links to the assault, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical 1960 water-sharing pact, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and canceled Pakistani visas.

Islamabad strongly rejected the allegations, responding by expelling Indian diplomats, suspending visas for Indians, closing its airspace, and halting trade, including transactions routed through third countries. Pakistan also suspended the 1972 Simla Accord, a key framework agreement designed to manage bilateral disputes.

Pakistan warned that any attempt by India to divert or block the flow of water under the Indus Waters Treaty would be regarded as an "act of war," stressing that the pact cannot be unilaterally suspended.