NEW DELHI: The Qatar-mediated negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan amid an extended, but uneasy truce, have brought some relief for victims and their families along the Durand Line, where the two neighbours were engaged in a fierce battle last week.
However, Afghan officials told the media that Pakistan conducted air strikes late Friday, October 17, in at least three locations in Paktika province, according to reports. The bombing, which killed at least 10 people, including three Afghan cricketers, broke the temporary ceasefire reportedly agreed upon by the two sides on Wednesday, October 15.
Islamabad had earlier, too, carried out similar attacks within Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul. Pakistan has justified the attacks over security rationales, accusing the Afghan leadership of harbouring groups hostile to Pakistan.