ISTANBUL

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday urged against the spread of Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions.

“The most urgent task is to prevent the further escalation of the conflict and return to the negotiating table as soon as possible,” Wang told Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during a phone call, according to a readout from China's Foreign Ministry.

“China firmly supports Pakistan's fight against terrorism and hopes that Pakistan will continue to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan,” he added.

China’s special envoy on Afghan affairs is currently shuttling between the two countries to promote peace talks, he added.

The two foreign ministers also discussed the evolving regional situation and broader global developments, with Dar stressing “the urgent need” to ease tensions in the Middle East and the wider region, according to a statement from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry.

“The two leaders stressed the importance of de-escalation and emphasized the need to pursue dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter,” the statement added.

Separately, Afghanistan on Tuesday claimed seven villages were targeted in fresh clashes with Pakistan.

The attacks were reported in Khost Province, the government's deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said on US social media company X, adding that three people were killed in Paktia province on Monday night.

He said mortar and artillery attacks took place in the Kamdesh district of Nuristan province, Shkin district of Paktika province and Barmal district.

There was no immediate reaction from Islamabad to claims by Kabul.

Afghanistan and Pakistan have seen ties deteriorate in recent weeks, with border tensions again escalating late last month, and the resulting fire leading to casualties and damage.

Pakistan says Afghanistan provides safe haven to terrorists that attack the country, and has continued its operation dubbed "Ghazab Lil Haq" across the border for nearly two weeks. Kabul denies the charge and has called for negotiations.

Islamabad has claimed killing 583 Afghan Taliban operatives and militants, whereas Kabul claims death of 55 Pakistani soldiers. Some civilian and military deaths have also been acknowledged by both sides.

The figures, however, could not be independently verified.