Pakistan has announced a temporary halt to its ongoing military campaign, Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, against Afghan Taliban elements, citing goodwill during Eid al-Fitr and appeals from key Muslim countries.

Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar said the pause would remain in effect from midnight March 18 until midnight March 24.

The decision, he added, followed requests from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye to suspend the operation during the Eid holidays.

Officials described the move as a gesture aimed at promoting religious harmony and easing regional tensions.

However, Tarar warned that the operation would be “immediately resumed” if Pakistan faces any terrorist attack, cross-border incursion or drone strike during the ceasefire period.

According to official figures, more than 700 Afghan fighters have been killed and over 900 wounded since the launch of the operation, while more than 250 militant posts have been destroyed and dozens seized.

Authorities also reported the destruction of tanks, armored vehicles and artillery.

Pakistani forces carried out strikes on March 16 targeting key installations in Kabul and Nangarhar, including alleged drone storage sites, technical facilities and weapons depots.

Officials maintained that the sites were being used to plan attacks inside Pakistan.

Additional operations were conducted in Bajaur, Kurram, Torkham Khyber, and North and South Waziristan, targeting militant positions. Authorities emphasised that only military targets were engaged, with no civilian infrastructure affected.

Saudi Arabia welcomes

Separately, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the temporary suspension of Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq on the occasion of Eid, urging dialogue and peaceful solutions to resolve disputes.