ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to halt ongoing counter terrorism “Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq” against Afghan Taliban and other terrorist groups based in Afghanistan ahead of the Islamic festival of Eid-ul-Fitr.
“In view of the upcoming Islamic festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, upon its own initiative as well as on the request from the brotherly Islamic countries of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has decided to announce temporary pause amidst ongoing “Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq” against the terrorists and their support infrastructure in Afghanistan,” said Pakistan’s Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar in a post on X.
TEMPORARY PAUSE IN OPERATION GHAZAB LIL HAQ
(18 Mar 26)In view of the upcoming Islamic festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, upon its own initiative as well as on the request from the brotherly Islamic countries of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye,…
— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) March 18, 2026
He said the pause shall be applicable from midnight 18/ 19 March 2026 to midnight 23/24 March 2026. Pakistan offers this gesture in good faith and in keeping with the Islamic norms.
“However, in case of any cross-border attack, drone attack or any terrorist incident inside Pakistan, “Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq” shall immediately resume with renewed intensity,” he noted.
Meanwhile, security officials said that this peaceful gesture reflects Pakistan’s respect towards Saudi, Turkish and Qatari requests to show restraint during Eid holidays, which depends upon no terror incidents being planned and executed from Afghan soil against Pakistan.”
707 Taliban killed so far
Earlier in an update shared on X, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistani security forces have killed 707 Afghan Taliban terrorists and injured more than 938 others since launching the cross-border offensive Operation Ghazab lil-Haq.
According to the minister, 255 check posts used by Afghan Taliban have been destroyed, while 44 additional posts were captured and subsequently demolished by Pakistani forces.
✅Operation Ghazb-lil-Haq
✅Update 1900 hours 18 March (TILL ANNOUNCEMENT OF CEASEFIRE)✅Summary of Fitna Al Khawarij / Afghan Taliban losses
▪️707 Killed
▪️938+ Injured
▪️255 Posts destroyed
▪️44 Posts captured
▪️237 tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery guns destroyed… pic.twitter.com/fdvSzj1Rez— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) March 18, 2026
He added that 237 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery systems belonging to the Taliban were also destroyed during the campaign.
The operation has included air strikes targeting multiple terrorist sites inside Afghanistan, with Pakistani aircraft reportedly striking 81 locations linked to Taliban.
He further said that on the night of March 16, Pakistan Armed Forces targeted Afghan military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar.
Pakistan’s forces carried out strikes targeting drone storage facilities, technical support infrastructure, and ammunition depots in Kabul and Nangarhar, which were allegedly being used by the Afghan Taliban and other militant elements to plan and launch attacks against Pakistani civilians.
He noted the accompanying video shows precision strikes conducted by Pakistan against these installations, posts, and terrorists camps that were directly or indirectly supporting terrorist activities from Afghan territory.
Similarly, the Pakistan Armed Forces effectively targeted and destroyed Afghan Taliban positions in the Bajaur, Kurram, Torkham (Khyber), North Waziristan, and South Waziristan sectors, the minister added.
Background of operation
The operation began last month after renewed clashes along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, where Taliban reportedly opened fire on multiple Pakistani positions, prompting a swift military response from Islamabad.
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq marks a significant escalation in Pakistan’s efforts to dismantle terrorists’ infrastructure along the border.
Security officials say the operation is ongoing and aimed at neutralising threats to the country’s internal security.
Authorities say the offensive was launched as an “immediate and effective” response to a series of terrorist attacks originating from Afghan territory.
The development comes amid years of strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul, with Pakistan repeatedly accusing the Afghan Taliban administration of providing safe haven to leaders of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Pakistan maintains that these elements use Afghan territory to plan and carry out cross-border attacks.
