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.

The United States is considering sending thousands of additional troops to the Middle East as the war with Iran enters a potentially more complex stage, according to U.S. officials and sources familiar with the discussions.

The move would give US President Donald Trump broader military options as the conflict, now in its third week, continues to escalate. While no final decision has been made, officials say the administration is exploring scenarios that could expand the scope of current operations, Reuters reported.

Among the options under review is securing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global energy supplies. While such a mission would rely largely on naval and air power, it could also involve deploying U.S. forces along Iran’s coastline.

Another proposal under discussion includes sending ground forces to Kharg Island, which handles the vast majority of Iran’s oil exports.

U.S. strikes have already targeted military sites on the island, but analysts say controlling the facility could be seen as more strategically valuable than destroying it outright.

Officials caution, however, that such an operation would carry significant risks due to Iran’s missile and drone capabilities.

The administration is also weighing options to secure Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, a move that experts say would be highly complex and dangerous even for elite forces.

A White House official said no decision has been taken on deploying ground troops, emphasizing that “all options remain on the table” as the administration pursues its military objectives, including weakening Iran’s missile and naval capabilities and preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The discussions come as U.S. forces intensify their campaign against Iran. Since the start of hostilities in late February, Washington says it has conducted thousands of strikes targeting Iran’s military infrastructure, including its navy, missile systems and defense industry.

According to U.S. Central Command, more than 120 Iranian vessels have been damaged or destroyed.

Despite the scale of operations, the conflict has also taken a toll on U.S. forces. At least 13 American troops have been killed and around 200 wounded, though most injuries are reported to be minor.

Any decision to deploy ground troops could carry political consequences for Trump, who has previously pledged to avoid new foreign wars and faces skepticism among parts of the American public over deeper involvement in the Middle East.

Complicating matters further, the U.S. military is set to lose the presence of one of its key aircraft carriers, the USS Gerald R. Ford, which is being sent for maintenance following a fire.

While an amphibious ready group with more than 2,000 Marines is expected to arrive in the region, officials say broader reinforcement plans are still under consideration.

Trump has also sent mixed signals on whether the U.S. should take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz, at times suggesting allies should take the lead or even questioning continued American involvement.

As military planning continues, officials stress that no immediate ground deployment is expected, but acknowledge that the situation remains fluid as Washington evaluates its next steps in the conflict.