In a significant development, Pakistan declared a temporary suspension of its ongoing military campaign, Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, targeting terrorist groups and their support networks within Afghanistan. This pause is scheduled to coincide with the upcoming Islamic festival of Eid ul Fitr, reflecting Islamabad’s intention to observe the religious occasion with a gesture of goodwill. The announcement came on Wednesday, marking a strategic and symbolic move amid heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar conveyed that the decision to halt the operation was taken not only on Pakistan’s own initiative but also in response to appeals from allied Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. These countries have long played a role in regional diplomacy and have urged restraint to foster peace during the holy period. The temporary ceasefire will be effective from midnight of March 18/19 until midnight of March 23/24, allowing a brief window of calm amidst ongoing hostilities.
Tarar emphasized that this pause is extended in good faith and aligns with Islamic principles of mercy and reconciliation during sacred times. However, he issued a stern warning that any hostile actions such as cross-border incursions, drone strikes, or terrorist attacks on Pakistani soil would prompt an immediate and intensified resumption of military operations. This conditional approach underscores Pakistan’s commitment to national security while respecting religious observances.
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, which translates to “Righteous Fury,” was launched last month following a series of unprovoked attacks by the Taliban regime along the shared border. The Pakistani military has reported substantial successes in degrading terrorist capabilities, with 707 militants killed and 938 wounded to date. In addition, 255 Taliban posts have been destroyed, and 44 captured, demonstrating the operation’s tactical effectiveness.
Further damage includes the destruction of 237 armored vehicles, tanks, and artillery pieces, alongside targeted airstrikes on 81 terrorist and logistical sites across Afghanistan. Notably, on the night of March 16, Pakistani forces conducted precision strikes on military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar. These operations targeted drone storage facilities, technical support centers, and ammunition depots that were reportedly used by the Taliban and affiliated terrorist groups to orchestrate attacks against Pakistani civilians.
Meanwhile, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry disclosed that drones supplied by India had recently been employed by the Afghan regime in attacks against Pakistan. Speaking on a prominent news program, he dismissed Kabul’s claims of civilian casualties resulting from Pakistani strikes, clarifying that the operations were focused strictly on military targets such as ammunition and drone depots.
The escalation in hostilities follows a series of suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu, which Pakistani intelligence traced back to militant groups operating from Afghan territory. Islamabad has consistently urged Kabul to prevent its land from being used as a safe haven for terrorists. In response, Pakistan launched intelligence-driven strikes on seven terrorist camps along the border, targeting groups including Fitna al Khawarij (a term used for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan), its affiliates, and Daesh-Khorasan.
This surge in border tensions comes months after both countries agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025. That ceasefire was initially brokered after the Afghan Taliban opened fire unprovoked at several border posts, aiming to facilitate the movement of Khawarij militants into Pakistan. Despite Islamabad’s agreement to the ceasefire at Kabul’s request, subsequent talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey failed to yield lasting peace. The Afghan side reportedly used the Istanbul discussions to criticize Pakistan rather than address Islamabad’s core concern of cross-border terrorism.
As the region now enters the Eid ul Fitr period, Pakistan’s temporary pause in military operations reflects a delicate balance between upholding national security and honoring religious traditions. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this gesture of goodwill can pave the way for renewed dialogue or if hostilities will resume with greater intensity.
