In a significant development ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festivities, Pakistan’s Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar declared a temporary suspension of the ongoing military campaign known as “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq.” The announcement was made on Wednesday, outlining a pause in counterterrorism activities targeting militant groups and their support networks within Afghanistan. This decision reflects Pakistan’s intention to observe the sacred Islamic festival with a spirit of peace and goodwill.
The government has set the ceasefire period to begin at midnight on March 18/19, 2026, and continue until midnight on March 23/24, 2026. This temporary halt is not only a unilateral initiative by Pakistan but also a response to appeals from allied Islamic nations, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, and the Republic of Turkey. These countries have urged Pakistan to demonstrate solidarity and restraint during this important religious occasion, emphasizing the shared values of brotherhood and peace among Muslim nations.
Minister Tarar emphasized that this pause in military operations underscores Pakistan’s commitment to upholding Islamic principles and fostering goodwill during Eid. However, he issued a stern warning that any hostile actions, such as cross-border attacks, drone strikes, or terrorist incidents within Pakistan’s territory, would prompt an immediate and forceful resumption of the operation. This stance highlights Pakistan’s resolve to maintain its national security while extending a hand of peace during the festival period.
Providing a detailed update on the progress of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq prior to the ceasefire, the minister revealed that Pakistan’s security forces have dealt a heavy blow to militant factions, specifically targeting groups identified as Fitna Al Khawarij and elements linked to the Afghan Taliban. The operation has resulted in the elimination of 707 militants and injuries to over 938 others. Additionally, 255 militant posts have been destroyed, with 44 more captured by Pakistani forces. The military campaign has also successfully neutralized 237 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery systems, while air strikes have targeted 81 terrorist hideouts across Afghanistan.
Further elaborating on recent military actions, the minister disclosed that on the night of March 16, Pakistan’s armed forces conducted precision strikes on Afghan military installations located in Kabul and Nangarhar provinces. These operations focused on dismantling drone storage facilities, technical support centers, and ammunition depots that were allegedly used to orchestrate attacks against Pakistani civilians. Beyond these strikes, Pakistani forces also targeted Taliban-linked positions in the border regions of Bajaur, Kurram, Torkham, Khyber, and the North and South Waziristan tribal areas.
Minister Tarar was quick to clarify that these military actions were carefully calibrated to avoid civilian casualties and damage to non-military infrastructure. He categorically rejected any allegations suggesting that innocent populations or civilian properties were harmed during the operations, underscoring the precision and restraint exercised by Pakistan’s armed forces. This statement aims to address concerns raised by various quarters and to reinforce the legitimacy of Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.
As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, this temporary cessation of hostilities offers a brief window of calm in a region long troubled by conflict and instability. It also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance Pakistan seeks to maintain between pursuing its security objectives and honoring its cultural and religious traditions. The coming days will reveal whether this gesture of peace will hold firm or if tensions will escalate once again in the volatile border areas.
