Kabul, Mar 21 : Pakistan has announced a temporary five-day halt to its military strikes in Afghanistan, following a deadly airstrike in Kabul that has triggered widespread outrage and humanitarian concern. The pause, coinciding with the Eid period, comes amid rising tensions between the two соседing countries.
The decision follows a devastating attack earlier this week on a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, where Afghan authorities say more than 400 people were killed and at least 265 injured. The strike reportedly occurred as individuals inside the facility were gathered for prayers in the final days of Ramadan, significantly increasing the number of casualties.
Mass funerals have since taken place across Kabul, with grieving families and volunteers carrying coffins through the streets. The scale of the tragedy has intensified criticism of Pakistan’s military operations, with accusations that civilians are being disproportionately affected.
Pakistan has not directly confirmed responsibility for the specific strike but has continued to defend its broader campaign, stating that its operations target militant groups operating from Afghan territory. Officials argue that these actions are necessary to counter cross-border threats and ensure national security.
However, Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government has strongly condemned the attacks, calling them violations of sovereignty and accusing Pakistan of targeting civilian locations. The incident has further strained relations between the two countries, which have been deteriorating in recent weeks due to escalating border clashes and retaliatory strikes.
The temporary ceasefire is widely seen as a symbolic gesture rather than a shift in long-term strategy. Analysts suggest that the pause during Eid may be aimed at reducing immediate tensions and easing international pressure, rather than signaling a commitment to de-escalation.
The broader conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has intensified over mutual accusations of harboring militant groups. Pakistan has repeatedly blamed Afghan-based fighters for attacks on its soil, while Afghanistan denies these claims and criticizes Pakistan’s military response as unjustified aggression.
The humanitarian impact of the conflict is becoming increasingly severe. Civilian casualties continue to rise, and the destruction of infrastructure is placing additional strain on an already fragile system. The Kabul strike, in particular, has drawn global attention due to the nature of the target and the high number of victims.
Despite the announced pause, uncertainty remains over what will follow once the five-day period ends. Without diplomatic engagement or a clear framework for الحوار, the risk of further escalation remains high.
For now, the ceasefire offers only a brief window of relief, as both nations remain locked in a conflict that shows little sign of resolution.