Agencies | Islamabad:
Pakistan and Afghanistan have announced a temporary pause in fighting ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, following requests from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar.
The ceasefire will remain in effect from midnight March 18/19 to midnight March 23/24, with both sides stating that operations will resume immediately if any cross-border attack or security threat occurs.
The announcement comes a day after Afghanistan accused Pakistan of carrying out an airstrike on a rehabilitation facility in Kabul, claiming heavy casualties. Pakistan, however, rejected the allegations, asserting that the targeted site was a militant weapons depot.
Both countries reiterated that while the pause is aimed at maintaining calm during the festive period, they remain prepared to respond strongly to any aggression.
The development offers a brief window for de-escalation amid heightened tensions along the border, though uncertainty continues over the broader conflict.
