In a bold accusation, Afghanistan charges Pakistan with relentless shelling along the Durand Line, flouting a fragile Eid truce set for March 18-23. Chief of Afghan Armed Forces Fasihuddin Fitrat pulled no punches, condemning Pakistani troops for undermining the hard-won pause amid ongoing hostilities.
Media accounts from the ground paint a grim picture: deadly strikes in frontier zones have killed multiple civilians. The Defense Ministry’s statement corroborates these claims, with Fitrat decrying Pakistan’s barrages as proof of bad faith. ‘Islamabad isn’t committed; this is outright betrayal,’ he remarked.
Holding back for now, Kabul prioritizes de-escalation but draws a red line. Fitrat cautioned that future violations will shatter the ceasefire, unleashing a strong Taliban counterstrike.
The truce stemmed from regional diplomacy, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey urging both sides to pause. Afghanistan suspended its ‘Red al-Zulm’ operations, while Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar confirmed a reciprocal military lull.
Details emerge of intense shelling in Kunar: more than 70 rounds hit Naray’s Barikot, Doklam, Tsonglai (35 shells), and Manoge areas (37). Officials appealed for public vigilance and shelter, eyes glued to developments.
Flashbacks to March 16’s airstrike on Kabul’s Omid drug rehab facility fueled outrage. Pakistan insisted it hit terror sites, but Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi called it a heinous assault on the vulnerable, killing 408+ and wounding 260+, mostly addicts in treatment.
In a diplomat briefing, Muttaqi highlighted February’s pattern of civilian hits, warning of defensive reprisals. Afghanistan seeks peace but stands firm on territorial integrity, as border frictions threaten broader stability.