Pakistan has been accused of violating a temporary ceasefire agreement with Afghanistan by launching heavy shelling in the eastern province of Kunar Province ahead of Eid.
According to Afghan officials, Pakistani forces carried out intense artillery strikes in multiple areas of Kunar despite a mutually agreed ceasefire declared for the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. No casualties have been reported so far.
Shelling Across Multiple Districts
Afghan authorities claim that a total of 72 shells were fired by Pakistani forces across the region. Zia-ur-Rahman Spin Ghar, head of Kunar’s Information Department, stated that 35 shells struck areas including Doklam, Barikot, and Songalai in Narai district, while another 37 shells landed in various parts of Manogai district. Shelling reportedly continued in parts of Narai at the time of reporting.
Afghan officials further alleged that civilians returning to their homes were among those targeted during the attacks.
Ceasefire Breakdown
The ceasefire, announced in connection with Eid, was expected to remain in effect from midnight March 18/19 until midnight March 23/24. Attaullah Tarar had earlier stated that any cross-border aggression would prompt an immediate military response.
On the Afghan side, government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had announced a temporary suspension of offensive operations during Eid, while warning that any threat would be met with retaliation.
Background: Escalation Since February
The latest escalation is linked to Pakistan’s ongoing military campaign, Operation Ghazb-e-Lil-Haq, launched on February 26. Islamabad claims that the operation has resulted in the killing of 707 Afghan Taliban members and injuries to approximately 938 others.
Pakistani authorities also report the destruction of multiple militant hideouts, particularly in South Waziristan, asserting that sustained military pressure has forced insurgents to retreat.
According to military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, one of the targeted sites was an arms depot allegedly used to store drones and other equipment. He further claimed that Taliban fighters often operate in civilian attire, making it difficult to distinguish combatants from non-combatants.
Pakistan has also stated that it destroyed 225 militant outposts, captured 44, and conducted 81 airstrikes as part of the operation. Several Pakistani soldiers are also reported to have been killed during the campaign.
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