Kabul, March 20 – Afghanistan's Chief of Armed Forces, Fasihuddin Fitrat, has accused the Pakistani military of violating the ceasefire along the Durand Line, local media reported on Friday.
According to a statement released by Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence, several people were killed in attacks conducted by Pakistani forces in border areas. Fitrat stated that Pakistan's continued attacks despite the ceasefire "demonstrate a lack of commitment and deception" by Islamabad, according to Ariana News, an Afghanistan-based news outlet.
He stated that Afghanistan has refrained from taking any retaliatory action to prevent further deterioration of the situation and remains committed to the ceasefire. He warned that the ceasefire "will become meaningless" and the Taliban will give a "decisive response" to Pakistan's actions if such attacks are repeated.
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. Pakistan also announced a temporary pause in military operations for Eid, with Information Minister Ataullah Tarar stating that the decision was made at the request of regional mediators.
However, according to officials, Pakistani military forces fired over 70 artillery shells in Afghanistan's Kunar province, local media reported. 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. Furthermore, 37 shells were reported in parts of Manogai district. The authorities have urged residents to remain alert and seek shelter in safer areas as officials continue to monitor the situation.
On Tuesday, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, condemned Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul, terming 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, primarily patients at a drug rehabilitation centre. 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.