By Blessing Nweke
The truce, set to coincide with the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, was reached after mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar. The countries have been pushing to de-escalate tensions since renewed clashes erupted in February.
Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, said the suspension of strikes would begin at midnight Wednesday and last until Monday. He described the move as a “good faith” gesture but warned that any cross-border attack or militant activity would trigger an immediate and intensified response.
Afghan government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed the pause but did not specify a timeline, stating Kabul would respond decisively to any further aggression.
The ceasefire announcement came hours after a mass funeral in Kabul for victims of Monday’s strike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital. Afghan officials say at least 408 people were killed and 265 wounded, though the figures remain unverified.
Pakistan has denied targeting civilians, insisting the strikes were aimed at militant infrastructure. Islamabad accuses Kabul of harboring armed groups, including the Pakistani Taliban, a claim Afghanistan rejects.
The latest violence marks one of the deadliest escalations between the neighbors in years, raising international concern as militant groups like al-Qaida and Islamic State continue to operate in the region.
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