Pakistan, Afghanistan agree on Eid truce, pause military ops

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday announced a temporary pause in hostilities ahead of Eidul Fitr, in what appears to be a rare de-escalation following days of heightened cross-border tensions.

The ceasefire, announced separately by Islamabad and Kabul, will remain in effect from midnight March 18/19 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 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 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," the minister said in a statement.

He added that the pause was being offered "in good faith and in keeping with Islamic norms," but made it clear that the truce was conditional.

"In case of any cross-border attack, drone strike or terrorist incident inside Pakistan, Operation Ghazab Lil Haq shall immediately resume with renewed intensity," the statement warned.

On the other side, the Afghan Taliban regime also confirmed a temporary halt to what it termed "Defensive Operations (Rad-ul Zulm)".

Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, in a statement posted on X, said the suspension was being announced on the occasion of Eidul Fitr and in response to mediation efforts by the same set of regional countries.

"The security and defence 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," 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 any 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 neighbours, whose ties have sharply deteriorated in recent months over cross-border militancy and military strikes.

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 fresh airstrikes in Kabul. However, Taliban regime accused of targeting a rehabiltation center.

In an interview with a private TV channel, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, rejected the allegations and said that the primary target of the recent strike in Kabul was a depot containing ammunition, weapons, and drones belonging to the Afghan Taliban.

The DG ISPR stated that the explosions caused by the detonation of the ammunition were witnessed across the city. He added that the operation was carried out in response to 53 attacks conducted by the Afghan Taliban on Pakistani check posts. He dismissed reports of civilian casualties as propaganda, claiming that Taliban fighters often do not wear uniforms and instead dress in civilian clothing, and that the Taliban also use drug addicts for suicide attacks.

The DG ISPR further alleged that the drones recently used by the Afghan Taliban against Pakistan were being supplied by India. He emphasized that Pakistan has no conflict with the Afghan people, who he said are themselves being held hostage by terrorists.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that Pakistan is fighting a war against terrorism and claimed that India is behind terrorist activities. Referring to the Tralai mosque attack, he said innocent people were martyred and that the attacker had come from Afghanistan, where he had received training. He also mentioned the attack on Wana Cadet College, stating 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 that the Afghan Taliban initiated the conflict and Pakistan merely responded. "When we target terrorist hideouts, they bring their militias there," he added, noting that Pakistan has conducted strikes on 81 locations, all targeting infrastructure supporting terrorism against Pakistan.

The DG ISPR said that Pakistan did not impose war on Afghanistan; rather, the war against terrorism has been imposed on Pakistan. He noted that thousands of Pakistanis have been martyred in this fight, and that the country has been combating terrorism for decades. He further alleged that the Afghan Taliban regime is sheltering terrorists, even within government buildings.

He stated that Pakistan is ready for dialogue, but first demanded that terrorists be handed over and that terrorist 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 cannot kill Pakistani children and expect us to sit and talk."

He reiterated that Pakistan has never refused dialogue and has engaged with the Taliban at multiple 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, asking where it permits terrorism, suicide attacks, or inhumane treatment of women. He said no one can be allowed under any circumstances to carry out terrorism inside Pakistan.

The military spokesperson added that cross-border smuggling had also harmed 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 regime. He claimed that Taliban fighters and terrorists are now constantly on the move and do not stay in one place for more than a night. He further stated that during operations, 44 Afghan Taliban check posts were taken over, and that the Taliban regime is now preoccupied with its own survival.

He concluded by saying that more than 200 operations against terrorism are being conducted daily within Pakistan, and alleged that terrorists are using Indian social media accounts to spread propaganda.