Pakistan welcomes Afghanistan's ceasefire initiative with Taliban
Islamabad, Aug 19: Pakistan on Sunday welcomed the Afghan government's declaration of a three-month conditional ceasefire with the Taliban from Monday.
"Pakistan fully supports all such efforts that contribute to achieving durable stability and lasting peace in Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan deserve it. Coinciding with the Independence Day of Afghanistan, the announcement (by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani) has an even greater significance," a Foreign Ministry spokesman was quoted by Xinhua as saying.
"As we approach Eid-ul-Azha... we announce a ceasefire that would take effect from Monday, the day of Arafa, till the day of the birth of the Prophet (PBUH), Milad-un-Nabi, provided that the Taliban reciprocate," Ghani said.
"We also call upon all parties that in defence to the holy tradition of sacrifice during Eid-ul-Azha to implement a ceasefire in hostilities -- preferably for a more extended period of time," the Pakistani spokesman said, adding the ceasefire would allow the people of Afghanistan to celebrate the festival in comfort and peace.
The spokesman said that Pakistan expects such steps will create an environment of enduring peace and stability.
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4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
