The European Union (EU) and Pakistan on Wednesday released a joint statement, reaffirming their determination to strengthen their ties and called on warring parties in Afghanistan to observe a lasting humanitarian ceasefire. Reflecting on the current state of play of the Afghan peace process, they encouraged its “unwavering continuation” and reiterated their support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. Welcoming the progress made in

U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad once again urged the Afghan government and the Taliban to call for a ceasefire and asked them to unite against their “common enemy” after the Islamic State (Daesh)-claimed attack on Kabul University left at least 22 people dead. In a series of tweets on Tuesday, Khalilzad offered his condolences to the victims of the attack and

The Afghan government has called on the Taliban to extend a three-day ceasefire set to end on Tuesday night to pave the way for better release of the prisoners. The government has announced it would free 900 members of the insurgent group as a part of a prisoner swap under a deal struck by the Taliban and the United States in Doha in February. "For

The three-day Eid ceasefire announced by the Afghan government and the Taliban will be extended for another week, media reported on late Monday. Pajhwok news agency tweeted that a source close to both the government and the militant group said the parties indicated they would seek to reduce violence after the truce expired. The ceasefire, which was first proposed by the Taliban, was welcomed by

On May 23, the Taliban declared a three-day ceasefire for the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.  In their statement, Taliban instructed its fighters to take special measures for the safety of their compatriots and not to carry out any offensive operations against Afghan security forces. Taliban fighters were instructed to not enter the Afghan-controlled areas. Only if the government forces were to

The Presidential Palace lambasted Taliban group for persistently rejecting the repeated calls for ceasefire and reduction of violence. The Presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said the Afghan government positively responded to recommendations for reduction in violence and start of peace talks with Taliban by taking necessary measures including formation of negotiating team for the launch of direct talks and issuance of decree for the release