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KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — On Wednesday, Pakistan and Afghanistan announced a temporary cessation of hostilities, just two days after an airstrike in Kabul,
which Afghan authorities attributed to Pakistan, reportedly killed hundreds at a drug rehabilitation facility. The pause in fighting, motivated by the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr and facilitated by mediation efforts from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, aims to reduce tensions that have escalated since February. Both nations seek to de-escalate violence that has persisted despite international calls for peace.
Response to Recent Violence
The announcement followed a mass funeral held in Kabul for victims of the recent airstrike. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the suspension of military operations against Afghanistan would begin at midnight Wednesday and last until midnight Monday.“This gesture is made in good faith and aligns with Islamic principles,” Tarar said in his statement. However, he cautioned that any cross-border attack or terrorist incident would prompt a resumption of military operations.
Afghanistan's government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid did not provide specific details regarding the timing of the pause but emphasized that Afghanistan would respond decisively to any acts of aggression.
Disputes Over Airstrike Claims
Pakistan has firmly denied Afghanistan's claims that it targeted the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, asserting that its operations aimed solely at military installations. Afghan officials reported that the attack resulted in 408 fatalities and 265 injuries, although these figures remain unverified.The recent conflict represents the most severe escalation in hostilities between the two countries since February, marked by numerous cross-border clashes and airstrikes, despite ongoing international diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire.
Mass Funeral in Kabul
In preparation for the mass funeral in Kabul, authorities utilized bulldozers to dig graves for over 50 victims whose identities remain unconfirmed. Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman noted that ambulances transported numerous wooden caskets to the cemetery.The Omid hospital, targeted in the airstrike, had been recently renovated to address Afghanistan's significant drug addiction crisis. The facility, located near Kabul's international airport, was previously associated with NATO military operations.
Pakistan's Justification for Airstrikes
In a discussion with The Associated Press, Tarar reiterated that Pakistan's military actions targeted terrorist infrastructure. He remarked, “We have focused on the Afghan Taliban regime and their military setups, aiming to dismantle their support for terrorism.”He explained that the airstrike hit an ammunition depot, resulting in casualties attributed to the presence of military supplies at the site.
Afghan government representatives condemned the airstrike, accusing Pakistan of targeting civilians and hospitals, and asserted that the deceased were innocent individuals struggling with addiction.
Background of the Ongoing Conflict
The recent surge in violence began in late February, following Afghanistan's retaliatory attacks in response to Pakistani airstrikes. This escalation disrupted a ceasefire previously established through Qatari mediation.Pakistan declared an ‘open war’ against Afghanistan last month, raising concerns among the international community regarding the potential resurgence of militant groups in the region, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State.
