Pakistan, Taliban agree on strike pause for end of Ramadan

"Pakistan offers this gesture in good faith and in keeping with Islamic norms. But he warned that any cross-border attack, drone attack or any terrorist incident inside Pakistan would trigger an immediate resumption of operations with renewed intensity."

"Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid followed later Wednesday, issuing a similar statement and a parallel warning that in the event of any threat, Taliban forces would respond decisively."

"Since late February, clashes have escalated, with repeated cross-border fire and airstrikes striking deep into Afghan territory, including the capital, as Pakistan declared itself in open war with Afghanistan."

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban government declared a temporary suspension of military operations to mark the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, following requests from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. The ceasefire runs from Wednesday midnight to Monday midnight. Pakistan's Information Minister described it as a gesture in good faith aligned with Islamic norms but warned that any cross-border attack, drone strike, or terrorist incident would trigger immediate resumption of operations with renewed intensity. Afghan Taliban spokesman issued a parallel statement with similar warnings of decisive response to any threat. The announcement followed disputed reports of a Pakistani airstrike on a Kabul hospital, which Pakistan denied. The conflict has escalated since late February with repeated cross-border fire and airstrikes, prompting international concern.

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