China backs Pakistan-Afghanistan truce, calls for lasting restraint

PM says Pakistan has "retaliated" after losing patience with Afghanistan over militant attacks

China supports countries in exercising restraint and realising a full and lasting ceasefire, its foreign ministry said on Thursday, when asked about Pakistan and Afghanistan agreeing to a 48-hour ceasefire.

China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role for continued improvement in the two countries’ relations, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry, told a regular press briefing.

Both neighbouring countries engaged in ground fighting and Pakistan launched airstrikes across their contested frontier, killing dozens and wounding hundreds before agreeing to a 48-hour truce on Wednesday.

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Sharif told his cabinet in Islamabad that Pakistan had "retaliated" as it ran out of patience with Afghanistan following a series of militant attacks.

"If they want to talk on our valid conditions and want to resolve through dialogue we are ready for that," Sharif said. "This message has been given to them yesterday. Now the ball is in their court." "If this ceasefire is done just to buy time, we will not accept it," he added.

There was no immediate response to his remarks from Kabul, with Afghan defence ministry spokesperson Enayatullah Khowarazmi saying only that the ceasefire was holding so far.