Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to temporarily suspend hostilities in observance of Eid al-Fitr, following a sharp escalation in violence that saw hundreds killed in Kabul earlier this week.
Authorities in both countries confirmed that the decision came after diplomatic pressure from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, who called for a pause in fighting during the religious celebration.
The conflict has intensified in recent weeks, with both sides exchanging cross-border accusations. Islamabad has maintained that Taliban authorities are providing cover for militants launching attacks داخل Pakistan, a claim Kabul has consistently denied.
Tensions peaked on Monday night when Pakistani warplanes bombed a drug rehabilitation facility in Kabul, an incident that drew widespread concern and renewed appeals for dialogue to halt the bloodshed.
Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, said the ceasefire would be observed from Thursday to Monday, describing it as a gesture made “in good faith and in keeping with the Islamic norms”.
On the Afghan side, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid stressed that defending the country remains “a national and religious obligation”, warning that any threat or aggression would not go unanswered.
Tarar, however, warned that the truce could be swiftly abandoned if Pakistan experiences any cross-border attacks, drone strikes or acts of terrorism, noting that military operations would resume “with renewed intensity” if such incidents occur.
