LAHORE, Pakistan — Catholic bishops in Pakistan have voiced support for the military amid an Eid al-Fitr ceasefire following weeks of deadly cross-border violence with neighboring Afghanistan.
In a March 23 message, Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi praised the army “for their sacrifices in defending the country’s borders, saying the nation will always remember the bravery and dedication of its soldiers.”
“The country remains secure due to their unmatched sacrifices, allowing citizens to live in freedom,” he added.
The statement coincided with Pakistan National Day and came a week after Kabul accused Islamabad of striking a drug rehabilitation hospital in the Afghan capital, killing and injuring patients undergoing treatment.
Pakistan declared “open war” with Afghanistan at the end of February after months of escalating border clashes. Airstrikes by Pakistan targeted suspected militants, while Afghanistan’s Taliban reportedly responded with drone attacks.
Both sides have traded blame for the violence, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of sheltering “anti-Pakistan terrorists,” particularly Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, which it holds responsible for attacks including a recent suicide bombing at a mosque in the capital.
Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said a temporary ceasefire — from March 19–24 — was arranged at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey to ease tensions.
Catholic bishops call for dialogue
Bishop Samson Shukardin of Hyderabad, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, supported the ceasefire.
“We call for peace and an end to war. Together with Pope Leo XIV, we urge both sides to sit and dialogue. At the same time, we stand in unity with the nation and all government departments, including the army,” he told EWTN News.
“Our loyalties lie with the progress of the country and the safety of our borders. We call for unity. Except on political issues, the Church must comment on military matters to guide the community along the right path. The state is also keen to hear the perspectives of religious leaders.”
Activist urges balanced approach
Luke Victor, a Christian advocate and human rights activist, endorsed the bishops’ call for unity but emphasized the need for a balanced approach.
“We appreciate defensive actions of our military but denounce overreach into politics. Likewise, we condemn enforced disappearances and election manipulation. Truth, justice, and human rights must remain our first priority,” he said.
Pakistan’s military has long been accused of intruding into civilian affairs, having directly ruled the country for nearly half of its 78-year history while continuing to wield significant influence behind the scenes.
Relations soured since 2021
Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have soured since Pakistan initially welcomed the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 as the “logical conclusion” of the U.S. withdrawal. The Pakistani government now accuses Taliban authorities of sheltering militants, a charge Kabul denies.
Pakistan was ranked the most terrorism-affected country in the Global Terrorism Index 2026, recording 1,139 deaths, 1,595 injuries, and 1,045 attacks in 2025 — a nearly 6% rise in fatalities and a sharp increase in hostage-taking cases.
Afghan Christians face risk
In November 2023, Victor joined politicians in filing a Supreme Court petition challenging a caretaker government directive to deport all “illegal immigrants,” a policy seen as targeting Pakistan’s estimated 4.4 million Afghan residents. The court disposed of the petition in January 2025.
“Many Afghan converts to Christianity had served with U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan. They could not openly declare their faith because of potential stigma or reprisals from their Muslim families,” Victor said.
“Afghan Christians should have been placed under the care of Church authorities as refugees. Their forced deportation to the Taliban was a death sentence. While praising the military, Church leaders must also demand protection for such minority groups.”