Kabul: The Eid ceasefire between the Afghan government and the Taliban ends Tuesday. But the calls for the extension of the ceasefire get stronger both from the Afghan government and the public.

On Saturday evening the Taliban announced a ceasefire for the three days of Eid. In response, President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday pledged to release 2,000 more Taliban prisoners, and to focus on increased peace efforts.

“If the ceasefire continues in Afghanistan, we can further promote the confidence building process,” said Jawed Faisal, a spokesman for the Office of National Security Council.

Meanwhile, Afghans across the country also said they want both sides to extend the ceasefire to bring sustainable peace to the country.

“We will be very happy if the ceasefire continues like this,” said Obaidullah Wardak, a resident of Maidan Wardak province.

“Stop war and bloodshed, stop killing each other, don’t cut each others’ hand, come and develop your country,” said Zai Gul, a resident in Kabul.

“War can't take us to peace, but a ceasefire can take us to peace,” said Naseeb Muqbel, a member of parliament.

“The Taliban announced ceasefire during Eid days as a goodwill gesture,” said Sayed Akbar Agha, a former Taliban commander.

This comes as The Afghan government has announced it will release around 900 Taliban prisoners today from prisons across Afghanistan as a goodwill gesture to help lay strong foundations for intra-Afghan talks.

https://tolonews.com/afghanistan/afghans-call-continued-ceasefire