The International Union for Muslim Scholars (IUMS) on Monday asked warring parties in Afghanistan to end violence as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is approaching. 

Quoted by Anadolu News Agency, the IUMS Secretary-General Ali al-Qaradaghi in a statement called on the Afghan government and the Taliban to let the Afghan people perform their rituals and prayers during Ramadan without fighting and violence. 

"IUMS urges [the warring parties] to achieve a comprehensive and fair reconciliation based on the teachings of the Quran, prophetic principles and references of the Muslim scholars," al-Qaradaghi said.

He said that IUMS holds the Afghan government and Taliban responsible for maintaining security in Afghanistan as "they are responsible in front of Almighty Allah, so they have to seek the good for the Muslim [Afghan] people."

Meanwhile, Reid Sirrs, Canada's ambassador in Kabul, in a message on Ramadan called on all parties to the conflict, especially the Taliban, to end violence.  

“We call for an end to target killings of civilians, journalists, women, human rights defenders and other working for peace,” he said. 

Deborah Lyons, UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan also in a statement said that “at this special time of prayer and reflection, as well as compassion for the vulnerable, I hope that Ramadan will provide an opportunity for all Afghans to find peace.” 

The UN is remains committed to the Afghan people in their quest for a peaceful, united and prosperous country, she said.