Eid al-Fitr prayers were held on Thursday at the Eidgah Mosque in Kandahar, led by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, with a large number of residents attending the ceremony.

During his sermon, Akhundzada said that if the people of Afghanistan were meant to be destroyed by bombardments and military attacks, it would have happened during the wars with the Soviet Union and the United States.

According to the Islamic Emirate leader, the key to Afghanistan’s victory and resilience lies in reliance on Islam, preservation of religious beliefs, and unity among the people. He stressed that by adhering to Islamic values, no country would be able to harm Afghanistan.

Akhundzada also called on citizens to support the Islamic Emirate, stating that those serving in the current system are the sons of the same nation and people.

At the same time, he urged government officials to ensure justice in their duties, warning that no system can survive through oppression. He added that the implementation of decrees and laws is necessary to reform society and maintain order in the country.

The Islamic Emirate leader further said that without Islam, Afghanistan could have remained under the control of the United States and NATO, but now, according to him, the country stands as an independent and free nation.

In the economic section of his remarks, Akhundzada called on traders to avoid hoarding goods and instead assist fellow Muslims in difficult times. He warned that individuals found hoarding commodities for up to 40 days would face legal consequences.

Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, emphasized Thursday that Afghanistan will steadfastly defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

His remarks came during the Eid al-Fitr prayers held at the Presidential Palace.

The ceremony was attended by Amir Khan Muttaqi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, senior officials of the Islamic Emirate, ambassadors and diplomats of countries based in Kabul, religious scholars, and mujahideen.

Addressing the gathering, Kabir congratulated citizens on Eid and noted that this year’s celebrations come amid regional and global turbulence, which continues to pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the region.

He underscored that strengthening the Islamic system, implementing Sharia law, promoting justice, and fostering national unity remain top priorities of the Islamic Emirate.

The minister also highlighted key government development plans, including implementing major regional projects, expanding trade, activating transit corridors, ensuring transparent management of natural resources, promoting agriculture, and developing infrastructure.

Kabir said Afghanistan has the potential to serve as a key economic bridge between South and Central Asia. He emphasized that the country’s policy is economic, balanced, and guided by principles of good neighborliness, seeking relations with all countries based on mutual respect and shared interests.

The minister strongly condemned recent attacks by Pakistani regime, describing them as violations of international and Islamic principles. He stressed that war serves no one’s interest and called on Pakistan’s scholars and citizens to prevent the relationship between the two Muslim nations from being sacrificed over the agendas of foreign powers.

He also expressed gratitude to countries that have worked to facilitate diplomatic dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan, noting that Kabul keeps its doors open for negotiations but is fully prepared to respond to any aggression, with Afghan forces ready to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Kabir further stated that Afghanistan is currently absorbing millions of returnees from Iran, Pakistan, and other countries. Commenting on regional developments, he condemned violence in the Persian Gulf and attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, urging Islamic countries not to remain indifferent to such events.

Pakistani military forces fired more than 70 artillery shells into eastern Afghanistan’s Kunar province, local officials said, in the latest incident underscoring rising cross Durand Line tensions.

Zia-ur-Rahman Spin Ghar, head of information at Kunar’s Department of Information and Culture, said 35 shells struck areas including Dokalam, Barikot and Tsongalai in Narai district. A further 37 shells were reported in parts of Manogai district.

No casualties have been reported so far, according to local authorities. However, Spin Ghar warned Thursday morning that shelling in Narai was ongoing, with some rounds reportedly landing near civilians returning to their homes.

Residents have been urged to remain alert and seek shelter in safer areas as officials continue to monitor the situation.

The incident comes amid a series of recent exchanges between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have heightened security concerns in regions along the disputed Durand Line.

Afghan officials have repeatedly accused Pakistan of targeting civilian areas, while Islamabad has previously said its operations are aimed at militant groups operating near the border.

The shelling also coincided with Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar. In Kandahar, the Islamic Emirate’s supreme leader, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada, led Eid prayers attended by thousands.

In his sermon, Akhundzada stressed the importance of justice and accountability, calling on officials to act with integrity and warning against misconduct. He also reiterated themes of national sovereignty, expressing opposition to foreign influence and emphasizing Afghanistan’s independence.

The shelling coincided with Eid al-Fitr, during which both sides had announced a temporary pause in hostilities.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan said on Wednesday it would halt its “Rad al-Zulm” defensive operations for the holiday at the request of mediating countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.

In a statement, spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the pause reflected goodwill toward mediation efforts, while stressing that Afghan forces would “respond bravely” to any aggression threatening national security, territorial integrity, or civilian lives.

Pakistan also confirmed a temporary suspension of its military operations for Eid, with Information Minister Ataullah Tarar stating the move was made at the request of the same regional mediators.

Qatar welcomed the truce, describing it as a constructive step toward de-escalation and expressing hope it could lead to a more lasting agreement to protect civilians and stabilize the region.