Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim calls for immediate ceasefire and dialogue as cross-border strikes escalate during Ramadan
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to exercise maximum restraint and to immediately cease all military operations that has escalated in recent days.
Malaysia viewed with concern the cross-border military operations and declarations of open conflict between the two neighbouring Muslim nations, the prime minister said, adding that the loss of life on both sides was a source of profound sorrow and that the violence unfolding during the month of Ramadan made the situation even more grievous.
“The legitimate security concerns of Pakistan must be addressed. Equally, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan must be respected.
“These two imperatives are not in contradiction. They can only be reconciled at the negotiating table,” he said in a Facebook post, and expressed hope for the safety of civilians caught in the conflict and for the wisdom of leaders on both sides to choose peace.
Pakistan’s military carried out airstrikes early Friday in several parts of Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul as well as Kandahar and Paktia provinces, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported, citing an Afghan government spokesman and local sources.
