Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Defence Staff of Pakistan, has once again underscored the country’s steadfast determination to eliminate terrorism wherever it exists. Addressing a gathering of prominent religious scholars in Rawalpindi, the military leader emphasized that Pakistan’s security forces will persist with intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling insurgent infrastructure with precision and resolve.
This declaration was made public through a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday, coinciding with a temporary halt in Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. The military campaign, initiated on February 26 in response to cross-border provocations, has been paused in observance of the Eid-ul-Fitr festivities as well as diplomatic appeals from allied Islamic nations seeking regional calm.
During his interaction with the Ulema, Field Marshal Munir highlighted Pakistan’s active diplomatic engagement to promote stability in a region fraught with tensions, particularly pointing to the complex dynamics involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. He reiterated Pakistan’s firm policy that no violence within its borders, motivated by incidents occurring in other countries, will be tolerated under any circumstances.
Furthermore, the army chief called upon religious leaders to play a pivotal role in countering extremism and misinformation. He stressed that religious sentiments should never be manipulated to incite violence or unrest. Instead, he urged the Ulema to foster national unity and act as a shield against external attempts to destabilize Pakistan’s internal security fabric.
The religious scholars present at the meeting responded by unequivocally condemning any acts of violence committed in the name of religion. They pledged their full support to Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies, reinforcing a collective commitment to peace and order within the country.
In parallel, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that the ceasefire would be effective from midnight on March 18 until midnight on March 23. This pause in hostilities is described as a goodwill gesture aligned with Islamic principles of peace and reconciliation. However, the Minister issued a stern warning that any cross-border aggression, drone strikes, or terrorist activities within Pakistan’s territory would trigger an immediate and intensified resumption of military operations.
Before this temporary truce, the military campaign had made significant strides in weakening militant groups operating along Pakistan’s borders. Official data reveals that security forces successfully eliminated 707 militants and injured over 938 others, delivering a substantial blow to their operational capabilities and command networks.
Beyond personnel losses, the offensive inflicted heavy damage on militant infrastructure. Security forces destroyed 255 militant posts and captured 44 others, marking notable territorial gains and disrupting insurgent mobility. These achievements have considerably hindered militants’ ability to regroup or launch coordinated attacks against Pakistani targets.
The campaign also targeted militant heavy weaponry, neutralizing 237 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery systems. Air operations complemented ground offensives effectively, with 81 strikes conducted across Afghanistan aimed at dismantling insurgent sanctuaries and logistical hubs. This multi-pronged approach has significantly curtailed cross-border support networks that militants rely on.
Following Pakistan’s announcement of the temporary ceasefire, the Afghan Taliban also declared a suspension of their military activities against Pakistan, signaling a brief but important de-escalation in the historically volatile border region. This pause offers a window for diplomatic dialogue and potential progress toward longer-term peace and stability.
