On the occasion of Eid, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a ceasefire for a few days. Tensions are at their peak following an attack in Kabul that claimed hundreds of lives. A war of words continues between the two nations, even as international efforts for peace remain underway.
War Pauses for Eid, Yet Wounds Run Deep (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: Pakistan and Afghanistan have decided to halt hostilities for a few days to mark the conclusion of Ramadan—specifically during Eid-ul-Fitr. Both nations stated that this step was taken following appeals from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. This ceasefire is scheduled to remain in effect from March 19 to March 23, reports Dynamite News correspondent.
Prior to this, on March 16, a major attack in Kabul resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. Afghanistan alleges that Pakistan carried out airstrikes on a drug rehabilitation center, claiming the lives of approximately 400 people and injuring over 200 others. Pakistan, however, has rejected these allegations, asserting that it targeted only terrorist hideouts.
In the aftermath of the attack, a mass funeral was held in Kabul for many of the victims. Wooden coffins were transported via ambulances and buried in large communal graves. Eyewitnesses at the scene described the situation as horrific, noting that even dismembered body parts were recovered amidst the rubble.
Pakistan has consistently accused the Afghan government of harboring terrorists. Afghanistan, conversely, has steadfastly denied these allegations. Cross-border attacks and tensions between the two nations have been escalating steadily over the past few weeks.
Pakistan has made it clear that should any attack be launched against it, it will respond immediately and with even greater force. The Taliban, for its part, has also issued a warning that any act of aggression will be met with retaliation.
Nevertheless, both nations have also signaled that they seek a resolution through dialogue. Countries such as China and Russia are attempting to mediate in an effort to resolve this dispute; however, no concrete results have emerged thus far.
