Pakistan and China on Tuesday unveiled a five-point initiative to restore peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urgent diplomatic engagement amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran.

The initiative was announced after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing during a one-day official visit.

According to Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, the two sides held in-depth discussions on the evolving situation in the Gulf and the wider Middle East and agreed on a coordinated approach to de-escalation.

In a joint statement, both countries called for the “immediate cessation of hostilities and utmost efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading”, stressing that humanitarian assistance must reach all war-affected areas without obstruction.

“Sovereignty, territorial integrity, national independence and security of Iran and the Gulf states should be safeguarded. Dialogue and diplomacy is the only viable option to resolve conflicts,” the statement said.

“China and Pakistan support the relevant parties in initiating talks, with all parties committing to a peaceful resolution of disputes, and refraining from the use or the threat of use of force during peace talks,” it added.

The two countries also underscored the protection of civilians and non-military targets.

“The principle of protecting civilians in military conflict should be observed. China and Pakistan call on parties to the conflict to immediately stop attacks on civilians and nonmilitary targets, and fully adhere to International Humanitarian Law, and stop attacking important infrastructure, including energy, desalination and power facilities, and peaceful nuclear infrastructure, such as nuclear power plants,” the statement said.

They further stressed the importance of safeguarding global shipping lanes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.

“The Strait of Hormuz, together with its adjacent waters, is an important global shipping route for goods and energy. China and Pakistan call on the parties to protect the security of ships and crew members stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, allow the early and safe passage of civilian and commercial ships, and restore normal passage through the Strait as soon as possible,” the statement said.

The initiative also called for strengthening multilateralism and the role of the United Nations in conflict resolution.

“China and Pakistan support the conclusion of an agreement for establishing a comprehensive peace framework and realising lasting peace based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law,” the statement said.

Earlier, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Beijing would “strengthen strategic communication and coordination” with Pakistan on the Iran situation.

“The two foreign ministers will strengthen strategic communication and coordination on the Iran situation and… make new efforts toward advocating for peace,” she told a press briefing, describing the two countries as “all-weather” strategic partners.

Dar arrived in Beijing in the afternoon and was received by senior Chinese officials before holding talks with Wang Yi at the Diaoyutai State Guest House. This marks his second official visit to China this year.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan and China continue to maintain close coordination and regular consultations on regional developments and international issues under their longstanding strategic cooperative partnership.