Islamabad witnessed a firm rebuttal on Friday from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which dismissed as baseless the accusations made by the Afghan Taliban’s self-styled defence spokesperson. The Taliban alleged that Pakistan’s armed forces had breached a temporary ceasefire that was declared to coincide with the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. This ceasefire was part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to pause its ongoing counterterrorism operation, known as Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, from the night of March 18–19 until March 23–24, 2026.
The ceasefire was announced by the Pakistani government as a goodwill gesture during the holy festival of Eid al-Fitr, aiming to reduce hostilities along the volatile Durand Line border. However, Afghan media outlets quoted Fasihuddin Fitrat, Afghanistan’s Chief of Armed Forces, accusing Pakistan of violating this truce by conducting military activities along the border. These claims sparked immediate controversy and raised concerns about the fragile peace efforts in the region.
In response, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, through its dedicated fact-checking division, categorically rejected these allegations. The ministry emphasized that no such violations had taken place and branded the Taliban’s statements as completely unfounded and misleading. The official statement suggested that these false claims might be part of a deliberate propaganda campaign by factions within the Afghan Taliban, possibly designed to justify future acts of terrorism or cross-border aggression against Pakistan.
Furthermore, Pakistan issued a stern warning that any hostile actions, including terrorist attacks, incursions, or drone strikes by the Afghan Taliban or their allied groups, would result in the immediate cancellation of the ceasefire. The government made it clear that Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq would resume with full force without delay should any such provocations occur. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar reiterated this position, underscoring Pakistan’s readiness to defend its sovereignty and security interests decisively.
It is important to note that Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq was launched in response to what Pakistani officials described as unprovoked cross-border attacks by the Afghan Taliban targeting Pakistani military and civilian installations. The operation, initiated on the night of February 27, 2026, involves coordinated air and ground strikes aimed at dismantling militant infrastructure along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Security sources have reported significant damage to Taliban positions and considerable casualties among militant ranks, signaling Pakistan’s determination to neutralize threats emanating from across the border.
Authorities have maintained that the operation will continue until all strategic objectives are met, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to securing its borders and maintaining regional stability. The temporary ceasefire during Eid was seen as a gesture of peace and an opportunity to foster dialogue, but Pakistan remains vigilant and prepared to respond to any threat swiftly. This episode highlights the ongoing complexities and tensions that characterize Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, especially in the context of counterterrorism efforts and border security.
