ISLAMABAD, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Sunday welcomed the Afghan government's declaration of a ceasefire during the upcoming Muslim festival of "Eid ul Azha."
Pakistan made the response after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced a three-month conditional ceasefire with the Taliban that will start from Monday.
"Pakistan fully supports all such efforts that contribute to achieving durable stability and lasting peace in Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan deserve it. Coinciding with the Independence Day of Afghanistan, the announcement has an even greater significance," a Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
The spokesman said in a statement that Pakistan considers "Eid ul Azha" as an appropriate occasion for all parties to make a commitment to ceasefire.
"We also call upon all parties that in defense to the holy tradition of sacrifice during Eid ul Azha to implement a ceasefire in hostilities - preferably for a more extended period of time," the Pakistani spokesman said, adding the ceasefire would allow the people of Afghanistan to celebrate the festival in comfort and peace.
The spokesman said that Pakistan expects such steps will create an environment of enduring peace and stability.
