Gossip • 2h ago
Pakistan, Afghanistan agree ceasefire to celebrate Eid
**Ceasefire Agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan Ahead of Eid Celebrations**
In a significant development, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a temporary ceasefire to mark the end of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The truce comes after a surge in deadly clashes that claimed hundreds of lives in Kabul in recent weeks.
The agreement was facilitated by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, who appealed to both countries to put aside their differences and observe a pause in hostilities during the Eid celebrations. This decision is particularly welcome, given the escalating tensions between the two nations in recent weeks.
Pakistan has accused the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan of harbouring militants responsible for attacks within its borders. However, Afghan authorities have consistently rejected these allegations. The situation deteriorated further on Monday night when Pakistani airstrikes hit a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, sparking international concern and renewed calls for dialogue to end the violence.
In a statement, Pakistan's Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, announced that military operations would be suspended from Thursday to Monday, describing the decision as a gesture of goodwill and in line with Islamic norms. However, Tarar also warned that military action would resume quickly if Pakistan faces any cross-border attack, drone strike, or terrorist attack.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid responded by stating that protecting Afghanistan is a national and religious obligation, and that any form of aggression would be met with a response. This ceasefire agreement is a welcome respite for the people of both countries, who can now celebrate Eid with a sense of peace and normalcy.
It's worth noting that this development comes at a time when Nigeria is also experiencing its own security challenges, with the Boko Haram insurgency and banditry continuing to pose a threat to national security. Nevertheless, the Pakistani-Afghan ceasefire serves as a reminder that even in the most challenging of circumstances, dialogue and cooperation can lead to peaceful resolutions.