ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) has responded over the Afghanistangovernment new offer to Taliban.

Pakistan welcomed the Afghan government’s offer of a three-monthprovisional ceasefire to the Taliban ahead of the festival of Eidul Azha.

Hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani declared ceasefire withTaliban in a televised broadcast, the FO said: “Pakistan fully supports allsuch efforts that contribute to achieving durable stability and lastingpeace in Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan deserve it.”

The ceasefire offer, the FO observed, has an even greater significance asit was made on the Independence Day of Afghanistan.

“Pakistan has called upon all parties to implement a ceasefire inhostilities, preferably for a more extended period of time,” stated FOspokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal.

“This would allow the people of Afghanistan to celebrate the greatAbrahamic tradition in comfort and peace, during this holy month of ZilHajj.”