Religious Scholars from Afghanistan and Pakistan Urge Extension of Taliban-Pakistan Ceasefire

Religious scholars from Afghanistan and Pakistan have issued a joint letter calling on the leaders of both countries to extend the ceasefire between the Taliban and Pakistan.

A copy of the letter, signed by numerous religious figures from the two nations, urges the leaders to 'pay attention to these sincere efforts and accept them.' The scholars state that continuing tensions benefits neither side and that reducing violence can build trust and advance dialogues.

The signatories emphasize that extending the ceasefire would create a safe environment for Hajj rituals, allowing Muslims to perform this religious obligation in calm and security. Preventing bloodshed during this period is described as a fundamental priority. They add that their efforts will not be limited to the ceasefire extension but will continue toward lasting peace between the two sides.

Prominent Afghan signatories include Sheikh Nazar Mohammad Afghani, Mufti Najibullah Muneb, Dr. Feroz Herawi, Sheikh Maulvi-zada Herawi, Sheikh Maulvi Ahmad Rabani and Maulvi Mutasim Akhundzada Qandahari. From Pakistan, signatories include Sheikh Idris from Akora Khattak Madrasa, Maulana Zahed al-Rashidi, Maulana Muhammad Hanif Jalandhari, Maulana Hakim Mazhar in Karachi and Maulana Salah Ayubi in Balochistan.

The ceasefire, mediated by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar, ended on March 23. The Taliban has not announced a specific date for the end of the ceasefire.

Residents of Nuristan and Kunar provinces reported that Pakistani forces conducted rocket attacks on border areas during the truce, resulting in civilian casualties.