AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): A group of religious scholars from Afghanistan and Pakistan issued a joint statement calling for the extension of the ceasefire between the two countries until Eid al-Adha and emphasized the need to reduce tensions and move toward sustainable peace.
According to media reports, the religious scholars, citing the religious, cultural, historical, and ethnic commonalities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, declared that establishing peace and stability between the two neighboring countries is a religious, moral, and human responsibility.
Expressing concern over the increasing tensions in border areas, they emphasized that the continuation of hostilities is causing anxiety among the people on both sides of the border, and peaceful efforts must be strengthened to prevent bloodshed.
The statement called upon authorities in Islamabad and the Taliban to extend the ceasefire that had been in place during Eid al-Fitr until Eid al-Adha and to prioritize dialogue and negotiation.
In response to this request, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban, announced that the Taliban were not the initiators of the war and are in a defensive position.
He emphasized that this message is primarily directed at Pakistan and that the Taliban do not "encroach" upon Pakistani territory.
Mujahid also stated that defending the people of Afghanistan is the duty of this group, and the hostilities are the result of actions by the other side.
The ceasefire between the Taliban and Pakistan, which had been established through the mediation of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, ended at midnight on Monday.
The Taliban accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire during the Eid days, and some residents of Afghanistan’s Nuristan and Kunar provinces have reported rocket attacks by Pakistani forces in border areas, resulting in civilian casualties.
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