United front imperative to counter terrorism: China Daily editorial

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated rapidly since the latest clashes broke out along their border last month. It is the most serious military conflict between the two neighbors in recent years, quickly escalating from sporadic fighting into a state of "open war", as Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared on Friday.

The trigger was a series of serious terrorist attacks in Pakistan last month, including the bombing of an Islamabad mosque on Feb 6, which caused significant casualties. Pakistan accused the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Islamic State Khorasan Province of using Afghan territory as a safe haven to plan cross-border attacks.

To restrain the long-standing friction and prevent further escalation of the fighting, the two countries should immediately implement an unconditional ceasefire, establish a humanitarian corridor, and restart a direct hotline between their militaries to avoid a spiral of escalation caused by excessive retaliation.

As a neighbor of both countries, China is deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict and saddened by the casualties. An immediate ceasefire serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples and is also conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability.

The escalation of the conflict has already resulted in civilian casualties and displacement, exacerbating the suffering of ordinary people caught in the crossfire. Humanitarian assistance is now urgently needed to support those affected. International organizations should be mobilized to provide aid and relief to those in need.

China has been mediating in the conflict via its own channels and stands ready to continue playing a constructive role in de-escalating tensions and improving relations between the two warring parties.

The root cause of this round of conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan lies in the sovereignty dispute over the so-called Durand Line, which was drawn by British colonial authorities in the 19th century, and the entanglement of cross-border terrorism. Both sides should sit down and negotiate to pragmatically manage their border areas, establish an intelligence-sharing mechanism and conduct joint operations with the participation of a third party to combat cross-border terrorism.

At the same time, they should restore border trade crossings, such as Torkham and Chaman, as soon as possible, so as to reduce frictions through economic ties.

The use of military force alone cannot resolve the underlying issues that fuel terrorism.

There is no denying that the Taliban government bears its responsibility to fight terrorism in Afghanistan. It should demonstrate a commitment to not allowing Afghan territory to be used as a safe haven for terrorist groups. Fulfilling this obligation is crucial for regional stability.

By taking more effective and decisive actions against terrorist organizations within Afghan borders, the Taliban can help defuse tensions with Pakistan and contribute to broader efforts to combat terrorism.

The international community, meanwhile, should recognize the necessity of a united front against terrorism. Terrorist organizations thrive on regional instability and conflict, as they are adept at exploiting these conditions to expand their influence. It is imperative that regional countries strengthen their intelligence sharing mechanisms, enhance cooperation to disrupt terrorist financing and work collectively to dismantle the networks that support these groups.

A comprehensive approach, combining military, economic and diplomatic efforts, is essential to address the threat of terrorism. Only through sustained and coordinated efforts can the threat of terrorism be effectively countered, ensuring a safer world for all.