The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an official statement warmly welcoming the announcement of a temporary ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Kabul 24: The truce comes in response to joint diplomatic calls made by Türkiye, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, marking a significant de-escalation after weeks of intense cross-border clashes that resulted in numerous casualties.
In its statement released on Wednesday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed satisfaction that both nations responded positively to the mediators’ appeals and declared a pause in hostilities throughout the Eid period. “Based on this decision, we hope that the ceasefire will be fully observed and will pave the way for a process that brings lasting peace and prosperity to the peoples of Afghanistan and Pakistan,” the ministry declared.
The ceasefire, which took effect around midnight on 18-19 March 2026 and is expected to last until the end of the Eid holidays, follows a surge in border violence.
Pakistan had conducted targeted military operations against alleged militant hideouts in Afghan territory, while Afghan forces responded with defensive actions. The temporary halt is viewed as a goodwill gesture aligned with Islamic values and the spirit of Eid.Türkiye has played an active role in regional mediation efforts.
Ankara has repeatedly offered to host direct talks and continues to emphasize the importance of confidence-building measures between the two neighbors.
Turkish officials believe that strict adherence to the truce could open the door to broader dialogue on security cooperation, border management, counter-terrorism, and economic ties.
This positive development has also drawn welcomes from several other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Syria, Jordan, and Kuwait, all of whom have urged both sides to respect the ceasefire and use the opportunity to advance sustainable peace.
For the civilian populations on both sides of the border—who have long suffered the consequences of recurring tensions—the announcement brings cautious hope.
Analysts suggest that if the truce holds, it could serve as a foundation for renewed diplomatic engagement, revival of cross-border trade, and joint efforts against shared security threats.
Türkiye reiterated its full readiness to support any constructive initiative aimed at achieving enduring stability in the region.
Successful observance of the Eid ceasefire would not only spare lives during this holy period but could also mark the beginning of a new chapter of peaceful coexistence and cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
