RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has welcomed the temporary truce agreement reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, expressing hope that the move will contribute to easing tensions between the two countries.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Kingdom appreciates the willingness of both Pakistan and Afghanistan to respond to the calls from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye to implement the temporary truce.
The ministry emphasised that prioritising dialogue and peaceful solutions remains the most effective way to address ongoing disputes and reduce tensions.
The statement further added, “The Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to continuing tireless diplomatic efforts, in collaboration with brotherly and friendly nations, to achieve peace, security, and stability in the region.”
#بيان | تعرب وزارة الخارجية عن ترحيب المملكة العربية السعودية بإعلان الهدنة المؤقتة بين جمهورية باكستان الإسلامية وأفغانستان بمناسبة حلول عيد الفطر المبارك. pic.twitter.com/rLT5g9gz8o
— وزارة الخارجية 🇸🇦 (@KSAMOFA) March 18, 2026
Earlier Pakistan decided to halt ongoing “Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq” against Afghan Taliban 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 Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar in a post on X.
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.
