Pakistan has announced a temporary pause in Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against the Afghan Taliban ahead of Eid al-Fitr, following requests from several friendly Islamic countries.
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said the pause will remain in effect from midnight March 18/19 to midnight March 23/24. He added that Pakistan decided in good faith and in line with Islamic traditions.
The move came after mediation requests from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey.
Tarar warned that the operation would immediately resume with renewed intensity if Pakistan faces any cross-border attack, drone strike, or terrorist incident.
TEMPORARY PAUSE IN OPERATION GHAZAB LIL HAQ
(18 Mar 26)In view of the upcoming Islamic festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, upon its own initiative as well as on the request from the brotherly Islamic countries of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye,…
— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) March 18, 2026
Operation Background
Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on February 26 after alleged unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban from across the border.
According to the minister, Pakistani forces killed 707 militants, injured more than 938, destroyed 255 posts, and captured 44 positions during the operation. He also said 237 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery systems were destroyed.
Pakistan’s military also conducted strikes in Kabul and Nangarhar, targeting drone storage facilities, ammunition depots, and infrastructure allegedly used by militants.
Afghan Taliban Response
Following Pakistan’s announcement, the Afghan Taliban also declared a temporary suspension of its military operation against Pakistan.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the decision was made in response to requests from the same Islamic countries seeking de-escalation ahead of Eid.
✅Operation Ghazb-lil-Haq
✅Update 1900 hours 18 March (TILL ANNOUNCEMENT OF CEASEFIRE)✅Summary of Fitna Al Khawarij / Afghan Taliban losses
▪️707 Killed
▪️938+ Injured
▪️255 Posts destroyed
▪️44 Posts captured
▪️237 tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery guns destroyed… pic.twitter.com/fdvSzj1Rez— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) March 18, 2026
Ongoing Tensions
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated in recent years, with frequent clashes along their 2,600-kilometre border.
Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban government to stop supporting militant groups such as Tehreek‑i‑Taliban Pakistan.
Earlier, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir said lasting peace between the two countries would only be possible if the Taliban leadership renounced support for terrorism.
