A Temporary Pause in the 'Open War' between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan
It is hoped that this will provide a much-needed respite for the people in Afghanistan.
On 18 March, on the eve of Eid ul-Fitr in Afghanistan,1 Pakistan announced a temporary pause in “Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq,” an airstrike campaign inside Afghanistan that has been underway since 26 February.2 The Taliban reciprocated by announcing a temporary suspension of their own retaliatory attacks codenamed “Rad ul-Zulm.”3 Both sides said that the ceasefire was out of respect for the religious holidays and a response to appeals from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye.
These same countries also mediated a temporary ceasefire in October last year that remained tenuous until 26 February, when the monthslong cross-border violence between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan escalated into an “open war.” On the night of 26/27 February, Taliban forces retaliated Pakistan’s airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan a week earlier by attacking Pakistani military border posts. The Taliban seemed to have miscalculated, given Pakistan quickly expanded its airstrikes to target major cities, including capital Kabul and Kandahar, to compel the Taliban to accommodate its demands. See my analysis for the Andiana Foundation on why Pakistan’s compellence strategy against the Taliban has not yet induced their compliance here.
While the Taliban’s announcement is silent on the duration of the lull, Pakistan said that the pause would be in effect from “midnight 18/ 19 March 2026 to midnight 23/24 March 2026.” Without clear prospects for effective mediation, it’s unlikely that the two sides will use the Eid ul-Fitr ceasefire as a off-ramp and avoid resuming their aforementioned operations. But it is hoped that the pause will provide a much-needed respite for the people in Afghanistan. On 16 March, an airstrike by Pakistan “impacted the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, a healthcare facility for the treatment of drug-addicted individuals, dozens of whom were reportedly killed and injured,” according to United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
The Taliban’s Supreme Court has declared that Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Thursday, 19 March. Pakistan will likely observe the holidays on March 20.
See the announcement by Pakistan’s Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, on X here:
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, 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.
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.
See the announcement posted by the Taliban’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahed, on X here:
Temporary Suspension of Defensive Operations (Rad-ul Zulm)
The security and defense forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan hereby announce a temporary suspension of the “Defensive Operations (Rad-ul Zulm)” on the arrival of the blessed Eid-ul Fitr. This decision has also been made in response to requests from brotherly intermediary Islamic countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Türkiye, and the State of Qatar.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan expresses its appreciation for the goodwill and constructive efforts of these friendly intermediary nations. At the same time, it underscores that safeguarding Afghanistan’s national security, sovereignty, and the lives of its citizens remains both a national and religious obligation. In the event of any threat, the Islamic Emirate will respond decisively. Insha Allah .
Zabihullah Mujahid
29 Ramadan 1447 AH
27/12/1404 (Solar Hijri)
March 18, 2026