Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree on Temporary Ceasefire for Eid Celebration

Pakistani Minister Announces Temporary Ceasefire with Afghanistan

A temporary ceasefire has been agreed upon between Pakistan and Afghanistan, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The five-day pause will begin at midnight on Thursday and end at midnight on Tuesday, according to Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

Tarar stated that the request for a ceasefire was made by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. He also emphasized that any potential cross-border attack or terrorist incident would lead to an immediate resumption of operations with increased intensity.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has also announced its intention to suspend military operations against Pakistan during this time period. The announcement comes after the Pakistani military was accused of carrying out an air strike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, resulting in at least 143 reported deaths, according to the United Nations.

The conflict between the two countries has escalated significantly since late February, with repeated cross-border clashes and air strikes inside Afghanistan. International organizations have expressed concerns about the impact on health systems and the displacement of vulnerable populations.

A spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO) had previously urged all parties to de-escalate and prioritize peace and health. The ceasefire is set to begin just days after the incident in Kabul, which has further strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Source: Al Jazeera