ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has announced a temporary pause in its ongoing military operation Ghazab lil-Haq against the Afghan Taliban, effective in view of the approaching Eidul Fitr celebrations and following requests from key brotherly Islamic nations.
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar made the announcement through a post on the social media platform X on Wednesday. He described the decision as a gesture initiated by Pakistan itself while also responding to appeals from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, and the Republic of Turkiye.
The pause reflects Pakistan’s commitment to humanitarian considerations during the sacred Islamic festival. It underscores efforts to de-escalate tensions along the shared border while maintaining national security imperatives.
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq commenced on the night of February 26 after what Pakistani authorities termed unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban forces across multiple border sectors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These included Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur districts.
Officials reported provocative actions targeting 53 locations across 15 sectors on that night. The operation was framed as a defensive response to cross-border aggression and to neutralize threats from groups using Afghan soil.
The name Ghazab lil-Haq, translating to “Righteous Fury” or “Wrath for Justice” in English, was chosen to emphasize retaliation against perceived injustice rather than unprovoked aggression.
Since its launch, the campaign has involved coordinated airstrikes and ground engagements. Targets have included military installations and hideouts in provinces such as Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Nangarhar, and others.
Pakistani authorities have consistently updated casualty figures and operational achievements. Early reports indicated over 130 Afghan Taliban operatives killed in initial strikes, with injuries exceeding 200.
As the operation progressed into March, the numbers rose significantly. By mid-March, officials reported 684 personnel of the Afghan Taliban regime killed and more than 912 injured.
Additionally, 252 Taliban posts were destroyed and 44 captured during the campaign. Over 229 tanks, armoured vehicles, and artillery pieces belonging to the regime were neutralized.
Airstrikes targeted objectives at 73 locations across Afghanistan. Precision operations hit technical support infrastructure, weapons storage facilities, and underground tunnels used for militant purposes.
In specific actions, strikes in Kandahar destroyed equipment storage sites. In the Chitral sector, a Taliban jump-off point at Afghanistan’s Badini post was eliminated.
The operation aimed to degrade infrastructure supporting terrorism against Pakistan. Authorities described it as necessary to safeguard citizens from threats posed by elements labeled as Fitna al-Khawarij.
The temporary pause will apply from midnight of March 18-19 to midnight of March 23-24, according to related updates. This period aligns with Eidul Fitr observances, allowing for respite and reflection.
Pakistan presented the halt as a good-faith measure. It comes amid international calls for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation in the region.
The decision highlights diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye. These nations have historically played mediating roles in South Asian and Islamic world affairs.
Tensions along the Durand Line have persisted since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Pakistan has accused Kabul of providing safe havens to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants.
Cross-border incidents intensified in early 2026. Pakistan conducted earlier targeted strikes against militant camps before the full operation.
The pause does not signal an end to the campaign. Officials have indicated that operations will resume if objectives remain unmet or threats persist.
Security analysts note that the operation marks a shift toward more sustained actions against perceived sanctuaries. It addresses long-standing concerns over militant havens across the border.
The announcement coincides with Eid preparations nationwide. Families in border areas and beyond anticipate celebrations with reduced immediate hostilities.
Pakistan’s armed forces remain vigilant. The temporary measure balances security needs with religious and humanitarian priorities.
Regional stability remains a key concern. The pause may open avenues for renewed diplomatic efforts to address underlying issues.
Observers await further developments post-Eid. The situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border continues to draw international attention.