Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed the temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan in conjunction with the Aidilfitri celebration and urged all parties to continue de-escalation efforts towards lasting peace. He conveyed the message during a telephone conversation with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while on his way back after a one-day working visit to Penang today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized Malaysia's concern over tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, highlighting the urgent need to halt escalation and prioritize dialogue. He shared these thoughts in a Facebook post, extending Aidilfitri greetings to Shehbaz and expressing commitment to further strengthen the close ties and strategic cooperation between Malaysia and Pakistan.

Pakistan announced the temporary suspension of military operations in Afghanistan following requests from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye in line with the Aidilfitri celebration. Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the ceasefire began at midnight on Wednesday, March 18, and is set to last until midnight on Monday, March 23.