KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan welcomed a temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and the Taliban announced for Eid al-Fitr, urging both sides to pursue dialogue and move toward a permanent end to hostilities.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry on Thursday commended the parties for heeding calls from Riyadh, Doha, and Ankara to implement the truce. It urged both sides to prioritize peaceful solutions, saying the kingdom will continue diplomatic efforts to support regional peace and stability.
Qatar’s foreign ministry described the temporary truce as a positive step toward de-escalation, expressing hope it would lead to a sustainable ceasefire. It said Qatar would continue coordinating with partners to support stability in the region.
Jordan’s foreign ministry also welcomed the announced pause and reiterated support for diplomatic efforts to resolve differences through peaceful means.
Pakistan and the Taliban separately announced on Wednesday a temporary halt to military operations during the Eid al-Fitr period, following nearly three weeks of clashes and airstrikes that caused dozens of casualties on both sides. The pause, requested by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye, is set to last several days through the holiday period.
Both sides, however, warned they would respond firmly to any violations or aggression during the truce, highlighting its fragility and risk of renewed escalation post-Eid.
The latest cross-border fighting and airstrikes have caused heavy civilian casualties in Afghanistan. UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has documented at least 289 civilian casualties from Pakistani airstrikes across several provinces, including 76 deaths.
Reuters, citing UN sources, reported that Pakistani airstrikes on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul on Monday killed at least 143 people. The Taliban said at least 400 people were killed and about 250 were wounded. Pakistan said it targeted Taliban facilities and militant hideouts. UN and rights groups have called for an independent investigation into the incident.
