In a significant development reflecting both strategic restraint and regional diplomacy, Pakistan declared a temporary suspension of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, its ongoing military campaign targeting terrorist elements and their support networks in Afghanistan. This pause coincides with the upcoming Islamic festival of Eid ul Fitr, a time traditionally associated with peace and reconciliation among Muslim communities worldwide.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on Wednesday that the decision to halt operations was taken not only on Islamabad’s own initiative but also in response to appeals from several allied Islamic nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye. The ceasefire is set to commence at midnight on March 18, 2026, and will remain in effect until midnight on March 24, 2026. This gesture, the minister, is rooted in goodwill and adherence to Islamic principles of mercy and brotherhood during the holy festival.
However, the government has issued a stern warning that this pause is conditional. Should there be any cross-border aggression, drone strikes, or terrorist activities within Pakistan’s territory during this period, the military operation will resume immediately with increased vigor. This underscores Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and citizens against any form of militant threat.
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 Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Since its inception, the operation has inflicted substantial damage on terrorist factions and their infrastructure. Minister Tarar highlighted that Pakistani forces have neutralized 707 terrorists and injured 938 others. Additionally, 255 posts belonging to the Afghan Taliban have been destroyed, with 44 more captured. The campaign has also resulted in the destruction of 237 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery pieces, alongside 81 terrorist and logistical sites targeted through precise airstrikes across Afghanistan.
In a notable escalation on the night of March 16, Pakistani forces conducted targeted strikes on military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar. These operations successfully dismantled drone storage facilities, technical support centers, and ammunition depots that were reportedly being used by the Afghan Taliban and affiliated terrorist groups to orchestrate attacks against Pakistani civilians. This move was part of Islamabad’s broader strategy to disrupt the operational capabilities of hostile elements operating from Afghan soil.
Meanwhile, in a related development, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), disclosed that drones supplied by India had been employed by the Afghan regime in recent attacks against Pakistan. Speaking on a national current affairs program, the ISPR chief dismissed Kabul’s allegations of civilian casualties resulting from Pakistan’s strikes, emphasizing that the operations were precisely aimed at military targets such as ammunition and drone depots.
The recent surge in tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan follows a series of retaliatory actions by Islamabad in response to suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu. Investigations traced these attacks back to militant groups operating from Afghan territory. Pakistan has consistently urged the Afghan government to prevent its land from being used as a launching pad for terrorism against Pakistan. In line with this, Islamabad recently conducted intelligence-driven strikes on seven terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Fitna al Khawarij (a term used for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan), its affiliates, and Daesh-Khorasan along the border region.
It is worth noting that these border tensions reignited several months after both countries agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025. This initial truce was prompted by unprovoked gunfire from Afghan Taliban forces aimed at facilitating the movement of Khawarij militants into Pakistan. Despite Islamabad’s willingness to maintain peace at Kabul’s request, the ceasefire was fragile. Subsequent negotiations mediated by Qatar and Turkiye in Doha and Istanbul failed to yield substantial progress, largely due to Kabul’s reluctance to address Pakistan’s core concerns regarding cross-border terrorism. Instead, the Afghan side reportedly used these platforms to criticize Pakistan, further complicating diplomatic efforts.
As Eid ul Fitr approaches, Pakistan’s decision to temporarily halt Operation Ghazab lil-Haq reflects a delicate balance between military necessity and religious-cultural sensitivity. While the pause offers a window for potential de-escalation, Islamabad remains vigilant and prepared to respond decisively should threats persist. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this gesture of goodwill can pave the way for renewed dialogue and lasting peace along the volatile border region.
