Parwan women make a pitch for Eid ceasefire

CHARIKAR in central Parwan province has called on the warring parties to observe a ceasefire during the Eid festival and work honestly for restoring peace to the country.

Lida Ahmadi, 40, principal of the Naswan High School in Jabul Seraj district, described ongoing peace talks a ray of hope. “We welcome peace talks and remain optimistic about respect for women’s rights.”

She expressed hope for a ceasefire during the Eid-ul-Adha, saying: “As a sister, I urge Taliban to come to the negotiating table and renounce war because conflict has no winner.”

She said Eid days were meant to bring joys and festivities to Muslims. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would call on Muslim to reconcile on the occasion, she added.

Lida believed that the presidential election would be conducted in a transparent manner and the Taliban would take part in it.

Zarifa , 30, a resident of Charikar, told Pajhwok: “There is a non-stop trail of murder and mayhem. What do peace talks mean in this situation? They should renounce war before having a shot at achieving peace.”

Optimistic of peace and stability, she also demanded a truce during the Eid to explore ways of finding lasting peace.

Referring to the election, Zarifa said she had already registered as a voter. However, she would not cast her ballot because she does not expect transparency in the polls.

She claimed their votes had lost value as a result of rigging in past elections. It was America which chose the Afghan president and government, the woman alleged.

Muqadas, 20, a local radio station worker, remarked: “Eid has no value to us until peace is restored. When innocent people are killed daily, Eid has no meaning.”

She also asked the warring sides to restore peace to the country and work honestly in this regard. Muqadas hoped a ceasefire would be agreed and peace talks would yield a good result.

Lila Khaliqyar, 42, said: “I am not preparing for Eid because our country remains in a very grim situation.

“I pray day and night for peace in the country. May Allah restore peace to our long-suffering country!” She called on the warring parties to observe truce and work for peace.

Referring to the Taliban, she said: “We are Muslims, Allah and his prophet emphasise on peace and truce on the occasion of Eid.”

She characterised peace efforts as a national process in which the Taliban should participate whole-heartedly.

Shamsia Khanzada, a student of Journalism, said: “We urge both Taliban and government to shun conflict and restore peace.”

Just like other females from Parwan, the 20-year-old also hoped for a truce during Eid-ul-Adha.

sa/mud