Kabul emphasised that it has refrained from retaliatory action to prevent escalation and remain committed to the ceasefire, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Afghanistan’s Chief of Armed Forces, Fasihuddin Fitrat, has accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire along the Durand Line, resulting in multiple casualties in border areas, local media reported on Friday.
In a statement released by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence, Fitrat condemned the attacks, saying Pakistan’s continued military action “demonstrates a lack of commitment and deception” despite the existing ceasefire, as reported by Ariana News.
Fitrat emphasised that Afghanistan has refrained from retaliatory action to prevent escalation and remain committed to the ceasefire. However, he warned that “the ceasefire will become meaningless” if attacks continue, noting that the Taliban would respond decisively to repeated violations.
Earlier this week, Afghanistan temporarily paused its ‘Rad al-Zulm’ defensive operations for Eid, following requests from mediating nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye. Pakistan also announced a temporary halt in military operations for Eid, with Information Minister Ataullah Tarar stating the decision was taken in coordination with regional mediators.
Despite these pauses, Pakistani forces reportedly fired over 70 artillery shells in Kunar province. Local officials said 35 shells landed in Barikot, Dokalam, and Tsongalai in Narai district, and 37 shells struck parts of Manogai district. Authorities urged residents to remain alert and take shelter as the situation remains under close monitoring.
On Tuesday, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi condemned Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul, calling them a serious violation of humanitarian and Islamic principles. He reported that more than 408 people were killed and over 260 injured, the majority being patients at a drug rehabilitation centre. He accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting vulnerable civilian populations.
Speaking to diplomats and organisation representatives in Kabul, Muttaqi stressed that repeated attacks since February, including strikes on civilian areas, have eroded trust in diplomatic solutions. He reiterated that Afghan forces would continue “proportionate and legitimate” defensive measures if attacks persisted, while maintaining that Afghanistan does not seek war but will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
