Pakistan shells Kunar despite Eid ceasefire, over 70 rounds fired: Reports

Kabul — Pakistani forces reportedly fired more than 70 artillery shells into Afghanistan’s Kunar province on Thursday, even as both sides had announced a temporary halt in hostilities for Eid al-Fitr.

According to local officials cited by Ariana News, around 35 shells struck areas including Barikot, Dokalam and Tsongalai in Narai district, while another 37 were reported in parts of Manogai district.

Zia-ur-Rahman Spin Ghar, head of information at Kunar’s Department of Information and Culture, said that while no casualties have been confirmed so far, shelling in some areas was still ongoing, with a few rounds landing close to civilians returning to their homes.

Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and move to safer locations as the situation continues to be monitored.

The incident comes amid rising tensions along the Durand Line, with both countries accusing each other of aggression. Afghanistan has repeatedly alleged that Pakistan targets civilian areas, while Islamabad maintains that its operations are aimed at militant groups.

Earlier, Afghanistan had announced a pause in its “Rad al-Zulm” defensive operations during Eid, following mediation efforts by countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the move reflected goodwill but warned that Afghan forces would respond firmly to any threat.

Pakistan had also declared a temporary ceasefire, with Information Minister Ataullah Tarar stating the decision was taken in view of the festival and appeals from regional mediators.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi strongly condemned recent Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul, calling them a serious violation of humanitarian and Islamic principles. He claimed that over 400 people were killed and more than 260 injured in one such strike, many of them patients at a drug rehabilitation centre.

Muttaqi warned that continued attacks have eroded trust in diplomatic solutions, adding that while Afghanistan does not seek conflict, it will continue to defend its sovereignty if provoked.

With inputs from IANS