In a significant development ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festivities, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar declared on Wednesday that Pakistan will temporarily suspend its ongoing military campaign, known as “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq.” The operation, which targets terrorist networks and their support systems within Afghanistan, will be put on hold as a gesture of goodwill during the holy festival. This pause is set to begin at midnight on March 18/19, 2026, and will last until midnight on March 23/24, 2026.
The decision to halt the operation was made not only on Pakistan’s own initiative but also in response to appeals from allied Islamic nations, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, and the Republic of Turkey. These countries urged Pakistan to observe a ceasefire during Eid, reflecting a shared commitment to peace and religious harmony during this sacred period. Minister Tarar emphasized that this move underscores Pakistan’s dedication to upholding Islamic values and fostering goodwill among Muslim communities.
Despite the temporary cessation, the minister issued a stern warning that any hostile actions—such as cross-border attacks, drone strikes, or terrorist incidents within Pakistan’s borders—would lead to an immediate and full resumption of the operation. This caution highlights the government’s resolve to maintain national security while extending a hand of peace during the festival.
Providing a detailed update on the progress of “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq” prior to the ceasefire, Minister Tarar revealed that Pakistani security forces had dealt a heavy blow to militant factions, specifically those identified as Fitna Al Khawarij and Afghan Taliban operatives. The campaign has resulted in the elimination of 707 militants and injuries to over 938 others. In addition, 255 militant posts were destroyed, and 44 were captured, demonstrating the operation’s effectiveness in dismantling terrorist infrastructure.
Furthermore, the military targeted and destroyed 237 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery systems, while airstrikes were conducted on 81 terrorist hideouts across Afghanistan. These operations were part of a broader strategy to weaken militant capabilities and prevent future attacks on Pakistani soil.
In a notable escalation on the night of March 16, Pakistan’s armed forces launched precise strikes against Afghan military installations located in Kabul and Nangarhar. These attacks focused on drone storage sites, technical support centers, and ammunition depots that were allegedly being used to facilitate assaults on Pakistani civilians. Additionally, positions associated with Afghan Taliban elements were targeted in the Bajaur, Kurram, Torkham, Khyber, and both North and South Waziristan regions.
The minister was quick to clarify that these strikes were carefully calibrated to avoid civilian casualties and damage to non-military infrastructure. He categorically rejected any claims suggesting that innocent populations or civilian facilities were affected during the operations, underscoring the precision and restraint exercised by Pakistan’s armed forces.
As Pakistan enters this temporary ceasefire period, the government remains vigilant, balancing its commitment to peace during Eid with the imperative of safeguarding its citizens from militant threats. The coming days will be closely watched by regional observers, as this pause in military activity could pave the way for further diplomatic engagement and stability in the border areas.
