While addressing the nation Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani is pushing for a three-day cease-fire with the Taliban indicating the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
The holiday marks the end of the Ramadan holy month, when devout Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The cease-fire took effect at Friday and lasts through the three-day holiday.
Ghani is using the opportunity to appeal for a longer cease-fire and call for the Taliban come to the negotiating table instead of returning to the battlefield.
The Taliban agreed to the cease-fire but leader Haibaitullah Akhunzada repeated his demand for direct talks with the U.S. before sitting down with the Afghan government.
Across Asia, the faithful are celebrating the end of the holy month in Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia and the Philippines.
(with agency inputs)
