A number of Zabul residents at a gathering on Friday called on Taliban to join peace. They asked government and Taliban to agree on a ceasefire in order to pave the way for ending the war and bloodshed. 

The residents said Afghanistan has experienced 14 years of war and violence and that it is the time for the Taliban to talk to the Afghan government and end the war. 
  
“First we want a ceasefire and then peace because Afghan people cannot tolerate the war anymore,” said Abdullah, a Zabul resident. 
  
“All know that peace talks are underway and this will be a 'shame' for us that foreigners want peace for us and we are staying reluctant,” said another resident. 
  
The participants of the gathering said there is a need for a ceasefire as a first stage.  
  
“We want both sides, government and Taliban, to end the war,” said Ehsanullah, a Zabul resident. 
  
“The purpose of our gathering is to tell all Afghans that the real victim of war is Afghans and they should raise their voice for peace,” said a Zabul resident. 
  
According to Zabul residents, "thousands of people have lost their lives in the province due to the conflicts over the past 17 years".