Pakistan Violates Ceasefire with Afghanistan; Bombs Kunar Province Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr

Lahore: Amidst the temporary ceasefire declared in observance of Eid-ul-Fitr - which is on March 21 this year - tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have flared up once again. Afghanistan has alleged that Pakistan has fired 72 shells into Kunar province so far, despite both nations having recently agreed to halt hostilities.

What has Afghanistan alleged?

According to Zia-ur-Rahman Spin Ghar, the head of Kunar's Information Department, 35 shells landed in the Dokalam, Barikot, and Songalai areas of the Narai district. Another 37 shells were fired into various parts of the Manogai district. Shelling remains ongoing in the Narai district. There are no reports of any casualties.

The Afghan Taliban has asserted that the Pakistani military is targeting civilians who are returning to their homes. Notably, tensions between the two countries escalated precisely at the time when both Pakistan and Afghanistan had announced a temporary ceasefire for the occasion of Eid.

Pakistan's Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, had stated that this truce would remain in effect from midnight on March 18/19 until midnight on March 23/24. He also clarified that if any attack were to originate from across the border, military operations would be launched immediately.

Shortly thereafter, Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid also announced that Afghan security forces would temporarily suspend defensive operations for the duration of Eid. He, too, issued a warning that retaliatory action would be taken in the event of any perceived threat.

What action has Pakistan taken against Afghanistan?

Underlying this entire sequence of events is Pakistan's 'Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq,' which was launched on February 26. Pakistan claims that 707 Afghan Taliban personnel have been killed in this operation thus far. Additionally, approximately 938 people have been injured.

Pakistan further claims that, during a major offensive in South Waziristan, numerous Taliban hideouts were destroyed. They maintain that this sustained military pressure compelled the militants to retreat. It has been stated that there were no civilian casualties during this operation.

Pakistan Army spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that the targeted location was an arms depot. A large number of drones were also stored there. He further alleged that Taliban fighters carry out attacks while dressed in civilian attire.

Consequently, it becomes difficult to distinguish between fighters and civilians. Pakistan has also claimed to have destroyed 225 outposts and captured 44 others, while also conducting 81 airstrikes. Several soldiers were killed in this operation.