Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Defence Staff of Pakistan, has once again underscored the country’s steadfast determination to eliminate terrorist networks wherever they operate. During a significant gathering with prominent religious scholars in Rawalpindi, the military chief highlighted that Pakistan’s security forces will persist with intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling insurgent infrastructure with utmost precision and resolve.
This declaration was made public through a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday, coinciding with the announcement of a temporary halt in Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. This military campaign, which began on 26 February in response to cross-border provocations, has been paused in observance of the Eid-ul-Fitr festivities. Additionally, the pause aligns with diplomatic appeals from allied Islamic nations seeking to ease regional tensions during this sacred period.
Expanding on the broader regional context, Field Marshal Munir drew attention to Pakistan’s active diplomatic engagement aimed at fostering stability in a volatile neighborhood. He specifically referenced the complex and ongoing geopolitical dynamics involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to peace and security. At the same time, he issued a clear warning that any form of violence within Pakistan, especially those inspired by external incidents, will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
In his address to the Ulema, the military chief called upon religious leaders to play a pivotal role in countering extremism and misinformation. He stressed that religious sentiments must never be manipulated to incite violence or division within the country. Instead, he urged the scholars to promote unity and act as a frontline defense against attempts to destabilize Pakistan through external influences. The assembled religious figures responded by condemning all acts of violence carried out in the name of religion and pledged their full support to the nation’s law enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar provided further clarity on the terms of the ceasefire. He confirmed that the suspension of military operations would be in effect from midnight on 18 March until midnight on 23 March. Describing this pause as a goodwill gesture rooted in Islamic principles, the Minister also issued a stern warning that any cross-border aggression, drone strikes, or terrorist activities within Pakistan’s borders would trigger an immediate and intensified resumption of the offensive.
Prior to this temporary truce, Operation Ghazab lil-Haq had made significant strides in weakening militant groups. Official figures reveal that security forces successfully eliminated 707 militants and injured over 938 others, delivering a substantial blow to the insurgents’ operational capabilities. The campaign also inflicted considerable damage on militant infrastructure, destroying 255 posts and capturing 44, which not only disrupted their command and control but also restricted their territorial influence.
Furthermore, the military offensive targeted heavy weaponry, neutralizing 237 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery systems. Air strikes complemented ground operations, with 81 locations across Afghanistan being targeted to dismantle insurgent sanctuaries and logistical networks. These coordinated efforts have significantly curtailed the militants’ ability to regroup, resupply, or launch coordinated attacks across the porous border regions.
In a related development, the Afghan Taliban announced a temporary suspension of their military activities against Pakistan, signaling a rare moment of de-escalation along the often volatile border. This pause offers a brief window of opportunity for diplomatic engagement and potential stabilization in the region, although the situation remains fragile and subject to rapid changes.
