Pakistan announces Eid ceasefire in 'Operation Ghazab Lil Haq,' warns of swift retaliation if attacked

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday announced a temporary halt in its ongoing “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq,” targeting militant elements across the border in Afghanistan, citing the upcoming Eidul Fitr holidays and requests from friendly countries.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the pause would take effect from midnight March 18/19 and continue until midnight March 23/24. The decision, he noted, was made in good faith and in line with Islamic traditions, following mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye.

The operation was launched last month after a surge in cross-border tensions, triggered by firing from Afghan Taliban forces on multiple Pakistani positions, which led to swift retaliation. Hostilities escalated further when Afghanistan responded to earlier Pakistani air strikes targeting militant hideouts.

Despite the temporary ceasefire, Tarar made it clear that Pakistan would respond decisively to any provocation. He warned that the operation would immediately resume with greater intensity if there were any cross-border attacks, drone strikes or terrorist incidents inside Pakistan.