Ceasefire under strain as Afghanistan reports fresh Pakistani attacks before Eid

Pakistani soldiers keep watch at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Balochistan province. PIC/AFP

Afghanistan's Chief of Armed Forces Fasihuddin Fitrat has accused Pakistan military of violating the ceasefire along the Durand Line, a local media reported on Friday.

Pakistan was accused of carrying out fresh attacks in border areas, despite an agreed ceasefire during the Eid period. According to Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence, several people were killed in the latest strikes.

Officials said Pakistan's actions show a lack of commitment to the ceasefire. A government spokesperson stated that repeated attacks "demonstrate a lack of commitment and deception" by Islamabad.

Afghanistan said it has not responded militarily so far in order to avoid further escalation. However, officials warned that continued attacks could force them to act. They said the ceasefire could become meaningless if such incidents continue, adding that Afghan forces would give a "decisive response" if the situation worsens.

Eid ceasefire and mediation efforts

Earlier this week, Afghanistan had paused its ‘Rad al-Zulm' defensive operations for Eid, following requests from mediating countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye.

Pakistan had also announced a temporary halt in military operations during the same period. However, recent developments suggest that the ceasefire has not held on the ground.

Shelling reported in Kunar province

Local officials reported that Pakistani forces fired over 70 artillery shells into Afghanistan's Kunar province. Areas affected included Barikot, Dokalam, and Tsongalai in Narai district, as well as parts of Manogai district.

Authorities have advised residents to stay alert and move to safer locations as the situation remains tense.

Airstrikes and civilian casualties

Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi also condemned earlier Pakistani airstrikes, calling them a serious violation of humanitarian and Islamic principles.

He claimed that more than 408 people were killed and over 260 injured in one such strike, with many victims being patients at a drug rehabilitation centre. He accused Pakistan of targeting civilian areas deliberately.

Growing tensions and uncertainty

Afghan officials said repeated attacks since February have reduced trust in diplomatic solutions. While they emphasised that Afghanistan does not want war, they also made it clear that the country would defend its sovereignty if needed.

The situation continues to remain fragile, with tensions rising despite attempts at mediation and temporary ceasefire agreements.

(With IANS Inputs)