Kabul, March 19 – Pakistani military forces fired over 70 artillery shells in Afghanistan's Kunar province, local media reported on Thursday, citing officials. The incident occurred during Eid al-Fitr, when Afghanistan and Pakistan had announced a temporary ceasefire.
Zia-ur-Rahman Spin Ghar, head of information at Kunar's Department of Information and Culture, said that 35 shells were fired in several areas, including Barikot, Dokalam, and Tsongalai in Narai district, according to Ariana News, an Afghanistan-based news outlet. Furthermore, 37 shells were reported in parts of the Manogai district.
So far, no casualties have been reported, according to local authorities. However, Zia-ur-Rahman Spin Ghar stated that shelling in Narai was ongoing, with some rounds reportedly landing near people returning to their homes.
The authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and seek shelter in safer areas as officials continue to monitor the situation. The incident has occurred amid a series of exchanges between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have heightened security concerns along the Durand Line.
Afghan authorities have repeatedly accused Pakistan of targeting civilians, while Islamabad has claimed that its military operations were aimed at militant groups operating on Afghan soil.
On Wednesday, Afghanistan announced that it would pause its 'Rad al-Zulm' defensive operations for Eid at the request of mediating nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey.
In a statement, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that the halt demonstrated goodwill towards mediation efforts. He emphasized that Afghan forces would "respond bravely" to any aggression threatening national security, territorial integrity, or civilian lives.
Pakistan also announced a temporary pause in military operations for Eid, with Information Minister Ataullah Tarar saying that the decision was made at the request of regional mediators.
On Tuesday, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi condemned Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul, calling it a serious violation of humanitarian and Islamic principles. He said that more than 408 people were killed and over 260 others were injured in the Pakistani strikes, mostly patients at a drug rehabilitation center, according to Ariana News. He accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting civilian facilities.
Speaking to diplomats and representatives from various organizations in Kabul, Muttaqi said that the Pakistani airstrikes targeted one of the most vulnerable groups in society – people who were receiving treatment for drug addiction.
He said that repeated attacks since February, including strikes on civilian areas in various parts of Afghanistan, have diminished trust in diplomatic solutions. He warned that Afghan forces will continue "proportionate and legitimate" defensive responses if attacks continue, emphasizing that Afghanistan does not want war but will protect its sovereignty and territory.