Tarar says Qatar, KSA and Turkiye requested ceasefire; Says Ghazab Lil Haq will resume if attacks continue
Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday announced a temporary pause in hostilities ahead of Eidul Fitr, 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 on March 18/19 to midnight on 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 made in light of the upcoming Islamic festival and as a goodwill gesture, as well as in response to requests from “brotherly Islamic countries”, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye.
“In view of the upcoming Islamic festival Eidul Fitr, on its own initiative as well as at the request of the fraternal Islamic countries… the government of Pakistan has decided to announce a temporary pause amid the ongoing ‘Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq’ against terrorists and their support infrastructure in Afghanistan,” the minister said in a statement.
He added that the break was offered “in good faith and in accordance with Islamic norms”, but made it clear that the ceasefire was conditional.
“In the event of a cross-border attack, drone strike or terrorist incident inside Pakistan, Operation Ghazab Lil Haq will immediately resume with renewed intensity,” the statement warned.
On the other hand, the Afghan Taliban regime also confirmed a temporary halt to what it called “Defensive Operations (Rad-ul Zulm)”.
Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement released on X that the suspension was announced on the occasion of Eidul Fitr and in response to mediation efforts by the same set of regional countries.
“The Security and Defense Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan hereby announce a temporary suspension of ‘Defensive Operations (Rad-ul Zulm)’ on the arrival of the blessed Eidul Fitr,” Mujahid said.
He appreciated the “goodwill and constructive efforts” of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Qatar while reiterating that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and security remained non-negotiable.
“In the event of a threat, the Islamic emirate will respond 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 sharply soured in recent months due to cross-border militancy and military attacks.
While both sides have framed the pause as temporary and conditional, it nonetheless offers a brief window for de-escalation during the religious holiday, with observers cautiously watching whether it could pave the way for broader engagement.
The move came two days after Pakistan launched new airstrikes in Kabul. But the Taliban regime accused of attacking a rehabilitation center.
In an interview with a private television channel, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, dismissed the claims and said that the primary target of the recent attack in Kabul was a depot containing ammunition, weapons and drones belonging to the Afghan Taliban.
DG ISPR stated that the explosions caused by the detonation of the ammunition were seen all over 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, claiming that Taliban fighters often do not wear uniforms and instead dress in civilian clothes, and that the Taliban also use drug addicts for 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 has no conflict with the Afghan people, who he said are themselves being held hostage by terrorists.
Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that Pakistan is fighting a war against terrorism and alleged that India is behind terrorist activities. Referring to the Tralai mosque attack, he said innocent people were martyred and the attacker had come from Afghanistan where he had received training. He also mentioned the attack on Wana Cadet College and stated that all 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 leadership based in Afghanistan.
He named Noor Wali, Bashir Zeb and Gul Bahadur as being present there.
He said the Afghan Taliban initiated the conflict and Pakistan was merely reacting. “When we target terrorist hideouts, they bring their militias there,” he added, noting that Pakistan has carried out strikes in 81 locations, all targeting infrastructure supporting terrorism against Pakistan.
DG ISPR said Pakistan did not impose war on Afghanistan; rather, the war on terrorism has been imposed on Pakistan. He noted that thousands of Pakistanis have been martyred in this struggle and that the country has been fighting terrorism for decades. He further claimed that the Afghan Taliban regime is sheltering terrorists even in government buildings.
He stated that Pakistan is ready for dialogue, but first demanded that terrorists be handed over and terror sanctuaries inside Afghanistan be dismantled. “The Afghan Taliban must decide whether they prioritize terrorism or peace, whether they stand with the TTP or with Pakistan,” he said. He criticized the Taliban for previously asking Pakistan to show patience, adding: “You can’t kill Pakistani children and expect us to sit 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, noting that drugs also play a role in terrorism.
He questioned the Taliban’s interpretation of Islam, asking where it allows terrorism, suicide attacks or the inhumane treatment of women. He said that under no circumstances can anyone be allowed to carry out terrorism inside Pakistan.
The military spokesman added that cross-border smuggling had also hurt Pakistan, but noted that there has been a reduction in cross-border terrorism and smuggling. He said the ongoing operations are forcing those responsible for terrorism to pay the price. “Pakistan is a responsible state, yet they target our markets and mosques,” he said.
He added that Pakistan understands that the Afghan people are also helpless under the Taliban rule. He claimed that Taliban fighters and terrorists are now constantly on the move and do not stay in one place for more than one night. He further stated that 44 Afghan Taliban checkpoints were taken over during operations and that the Taliban regime is now concerned with its own survival.
He concluded by saying that more than 200 counter-terrorism operations are being conducted daily in Pakistan and alleged that terrorists are using Indian social media accounts to spread propaganda.
