Call for Peace Grows as Clerics Urge Ceasefire Extension Till Eidul Azha
3/25/2026, 1:00:00 AM
ISLAMABAD: A group of religious scholars from Pakistan and Afghanistan has urged both governments to prolong the recently announced ceasefire, initially declared for Eidul Fitr, until Eidul Azha. The temporary halt in hostilities was announced on March 18 by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, just days before Eidul Fitr. According to the government, the decision was made independently as well as in response to requests from friendly nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. The ceasefire applies from midnight between March 18 and 19 until midnight between March 23 and 24. It came amid Pakistan’s ongoing military campaign, Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, which was launched on February 26 following incidents of cross-border firing involving Afghan Taliban forces. In a joint statement issued Tuesday night, 22 clerics — 11 from each country — emphasized the need for peace and cooperation. They described their initiative as a genuine and constructive effort to move toward a lasting and respectful resolution of tensions between the two neighboring nations. The scholars appealed to both Pakistani authorities and the Afghan Taliban to extend the ceasefire period, highlighting that such a move would allow people to perform Hajj and other religious obligations in a calm and secure environment. They further stated that their initiative is not limited to this appeal alone. Instead, it is part of a broader effort to encourage diplomatic engagement and social cooperation aimed at resolving long-standing disputes between Islamabad and Kabul. The clerics expressed hope that their efforts would lead to mutually acceptable solutions and help establish long-term peace and stability in the region.
