The High Peace Council (HPC) has welcomed the government second ceasefire announcement just ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, a statement from the national peace body said on Monday.
The HPC expressed hope the ceasefire opportunity would pave the way for direct talks between the government and the Taliban.
“It has been clear to everyone that the voice of peace which is the demand of the people of Afghanistan had been heard and regarded by the ulema and all Islamic countries and a permanent ceasefire was demanded by the global ulema to pave way for peace in the country,” the statement said.
The HPC asked the Taliban to honour the voice of people and government ceasefire opportunity and agree on durable truce so that way for peace process could be opened.
Earlier, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani announced three months conditional ceasefire with the Taliban entering into effect from today and would last till Eid Melad-ul-Nabi.
Ghani made the announcement while addressing a gathering at Darulaman Palace marking the 99th Independence Day on Sunday.
The president, however, linked the ceasefire with similar announcement from the Taliban side and added sustainability of the truce belonged to the Taliban commitment.
“The truce not only provides us with the completion of Ghazi Amanullah Khan’s mission but it would provide us with a fresh opportunity and new beginning,” said Ghani.