Participants of a ‘Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Jirga’ in Peshawar have urged the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their differences through dialogue and halt border clashes. The jirga, attended by political, religious leaders, and media representatives, emphasized the shared heritage and values of both nations. They expressed concerns over the escalating conflict and stressed the need for immediate de-escalation to prevent further consequences.
After discussions, the participants issued a joint declaration calling for an immediate ceasefire and a commitment to not use each other’s territories against one another. Emphasizing the importance of diplomacy over war, they highlighted mutual respect and understanding as crucial for sustainable peace. The jirga also urged continuous dialogue and contacts between Pakistan and Afghanistan to build trust and encourage adherence to peace-building measures.
Tensions between the two nations have recently intensified, with incidents of airstrikes and artillery fire leading to casualties on both sides. A recent attack by Pakistani forces in Afghanistan’s Kunar province resulted in casualties and raised fears of a broader border conflict. The Taliban spokesperson accused Pakistan of targeting civilian homes near the border, following the collapse of a temporary Eid ceasefire. Islamabad claims its military actions target militants using Afghan territory for attacks, a claim disputed by the Taliban.
