Tarar says Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have called for a ceasefire; Ghazab Lil Haq will resume if attacks continue
Minister of Information, Attaullah Tarar. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Afghanistan announced a temporary pause in hostilities ahead of Eidul Fitr on Wednesday, in what appears to be a rare de-escalation after days of heightened cross-border tensions.
The ceasefire, announced separately by Islamabad and Kabul, will remain in effect from midnight March 18-24 until midnight March 23-24, with both sides warning that any violation could trigger an immediate resumption of military operations.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the decision was taken in view of the upcoming Islamic festival and as a gesture of goodwill, as well as in response to requests from “brotherly Islamic countries”, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.
“In view of the upcoming Islamic festival of Eidul Fitr, on its own initiative as well as at the request of brotherly Islamic countries…the government of Pakistan has decided to announce a temporary pause in ‘Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq’ against terrorists and their supporting infrastructure in Afghanistan,” the minister said in a statement.
He added that the pause was offered “in good faith and in accordance with Islamic norms”, but clarified that the truce was conditional.
“In the event of any cross-border attack, drone strike or terrorist incident inside Pakistan, Operation Ghazab Lil Haq will immediately resume with renewed intensity,” the statement warned.
For its part, the Afghan Taliban regime also confirmed the temporary cessation of what it calls “defensive operations (Rad-ul Zulm)”.
Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement published on X that the suspension was announced on the occasion of Eidul Fitr and in response to mediation efforts by the same set of countries in the region.
“The security and defense forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan hereby announce a temporary suspension of ‘defensive operations (Rad-ul Zulm)’ upon the arrival of the blessed Eidul Fitr,” Mujahid said.
He appreciated the “goodwill and constructive efforts” of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar, while reiterating that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and security remained non-negotiable.
“In the event of a threat, the Islamic Emirate will react decisively,” he added.
The synchronized announcements suggest behind-the-scenes diplomacy by key regional players aimed at preventing further escalation between the two neighbors, whose ties have deteriorated sharply in recent months due to cross-border militancy and military strikes.
Although both sides have characterized the pause as temporary and conditional, it nevertheless offers a brief window of de-escalation during the religious holiday, with observers cautiously observing whether it could pave the way for broader engagement.
The move comes two days after Pakistan launched new airstrikes in Kabul. However, the Taliban regime is accused of targeting a rehabilitation center.
In an interview to a private television channel, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry rejected the allegations and said the main target of the recent strike in Kabul was a depot containing ammunition, weapons and drones belonging to the Afghan Taliban.
DG ISPR said explosions caused by detonation of munitions were observed across the city. He added that the operation was carried out in response to 53 attacks carried out by the Afghan Taliban on Pakistani checkpoints. He dismissed reports of civilian casualties as propaganda, saying Taliban fighters often do not wear uniforms but instead dress in civilian clothes, and that the Taliban also uses drug addicts to carry out suicide attacks.
DG ISPR further claimed that the drones recently used by the Afghan Taliban against Pakistan were supplied by India. He stressed that Pakistan had no conflict with the Afghan people, who he said were themselves being held hostage by the terrorists.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that Pakistan was waging a war against terrorism and claimed that India was behind the terrorist activities. Referring to the Tralai mosque attack, he said innocent people were martyred and the attacker was from Afghanistan, where he had received training. He also mentioned the attack on Wana Cadet College, specifying that the five attackers killed were Afghan nationals. He added that attacks are being carried out on police, civilians and mosques, and that terrorist organizations operating against Pakistan have their leaders based in Afghanistan.
He named Noor Wali, Bashir Zeb and Gul Bahadur as being present there.
He said the Afghan Taliban started the conflict and Pakistan simply responded. “When we target terrorist hideouts, they bring their militias there,” he added, pointing out that Pakistan has carried out strikes on 81 sites, targeting all infrastructure supporting terrorism against Pakistan.
DG ISPR said Pakistan did not impose war on Afghanistan; the war on terror was instead imposed on Pakistan. He pointed out that thousands of Pakistanis were martyred in this struggle and the country has been fighting terrorism for decades. He further claimed that the Afghan Taliban regime was sheltering terrorists even in government buildings.
He said Pakistan was ready for dialogue, but first demanded that terrorists be handed over and terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan dismantled. “The Afghan Taliban must decide whether to prioritize terrorism or peace, whether to stand with the TTP or Pakistan,” he said. He criticized the Taliban for previously asking Pakistan for patience, adding: “You can’t kill Pakistani children and expect us to sit down and talk.”
He reiterated that Pakistan has never refused dialogue and has engaged with the Taliban in several forums. He questioned whether any country in the world could guarantee the Taliban’s commitments and noted that narcotics also play a role in terrorism.
He questioned the Taliban’s interpretation of Islam, questioning when they allow terrorism, suicide bombings or inhumane treatment of women. He said that under no circumstances should anyone be allowed to commit acts of terrorism inside Pakistan.
The military spokesperson added that cross-border smuggling had also harmed Pakistan, but noted that there had been a reduction in cross-border terrorism and smuggling. He said ongoing operations are forcing those responsible for terrorism to pay the price. “Pakistan is a responsible state, but they are targeting our markets and mosques,” he said.
He added that Pakistan understands that the Afghan people are also helpless under Taliban rule. He said Taliban fighters and terrorists are now constantly on the move and do not stay in one place for more than one night. He further said that during the operations, 44 checkpoints from the Afghan Taliban were recaptured and the Taliban regime was now preoccupied with its own survival.
He concluded by saying that more than 200 counter-terrorism operations were being carried out daily in Pakistan and terrorists were using Indian social media accounts to spread their propaganda.
