Pakistan and Afghanistan have mutually agreed to a temporary ceasefire during the Eid-ul-Fitr festival, following requests from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar. This pause, announced by Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, is part of the ongoing Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq and will be in effect from midnight on March 18/19 to midnight on March 23/24. However, operations will resume immediately in response to any cross-border attack, drone strike, or terrorist incident within Pakistan.
In response to Pakistan’s announcement, Afghanistan’s security and defense forces have also decided to suspend defensive operations during the Eid period. Afghan government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid emphasized that while defensive operations will be paused, Afghanistan stands ready to respond courageously to any aggression if provoked. This decision comes after Afghanistan accused Pakistan of carrying out a deadly attack in Kabul, resulting in a significant loss of lives and injuries.
The ceasefire declaration follows a tragic incident in Kabul where a drug rehabilitation center was targeted, leading to the loss of at least 400 lives and injuring around 250 others. Afghanistan held a mass funeral for the victims, with Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani condemning the attack as a violation of humanity and Islamic principles. Despite the temporary halt in hostilities, tensions remain high, with both countries prepared to respond swiftly to any further escalation.
