Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday separately announced a temporary ceasefire ahead of Eidul Fitr, saying it could commence from midnight on March 18/19 and continue until midnight March 23/24.
In separate statements, Islamabad and Kabul both warned that any violation could trigger an immediate resumption of military operations.
In a posting on X, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the decision was taken in view of the upcoming Eid festival and as a goodwill gesture, as well as in response to requests from “brotherly Islamic countries” such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye.
“In view of the upcoming Islamic festival of Eidul Fitr, upon its own initiative as well as on the request from the brotherly Islamic countries … the Government of Pakistan has decided to announce a temporary pause amidst ongoing Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq against terrorists and their support infrastructure in Afghanistan,” he wrote.
He said the pause was “in good faith and in keeping with Islamic norms,” warning that it would cease if any further incidents occur inside Pakistan. “In case of any cross-border attack, drone strike or terrorist incident inside Pakistan, Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq shall immediately resume with renewed intensity,” he said.
Separately, the interim Afghanistan government confirmed a similar halt to its “defensive operations.” In a statement, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the suspension was being announced for Eidul Fitr and in response to mediation efforts by regional countries.
“The security and defense forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan hereby announce a temporary suspension of the Defensive Operations (Rad-ul Zulm) on the arrival of the blessed Eidul Fitr,” he wrote on X, while appreciating the “goodwill and constructive efforts” of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Qatar.
Mujahid went on to warn that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and security remained non-negotiable. “In the event of any threat, the Islamic Emirate will respond decisively,” he added.
The pause comes amid a significant deterioration in ties between the neighboring states, with Pakistan launching fresh airstrikes in Kabul that the interim Taliban government alleges targeted a drug rehabilitation center. Inter-Services Public Relations Director-General Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has rejected the allegations, maintaining the strike’s target was ammunition storage. He said the explosions caused by the detonation of the ammunition resulted in secondary explosions that were responsible for the fire spreading to nearby buildings.
Speaking to Geo News, the military spokesman emphasized Pakistan’s operation was the result of 53 attacks conducted by the Afghan Taliban on Pakistani checkposts. He also alleged the Taliban often use drug addicts for suicide attacks, indicating the rehab center was a front.