Pakistan Pauses Operation Ghazab Lil Haq Temporarily

The government of Pakistan has declared a temporary pause in Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, its ongoing counterterrorism campaign in Afghanistan, ahead of the Islamic festival of Eid ul Fitr, according to media reports.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said the decision was made in coordination with Pakistan’s allied Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. He added that while the pause reflects goodwill, the broader campaign against militant networks and their infrastructure remains unchanged.

The temporary halt will begin on the night of March 18–19 and continue until the night of March 23–24, 2026. Officials noted that the move aligns with humanitarian considerations and Islamic values during the festive period.

Tarar emphasized that the operation would immediately resume at full scale if Pakistan faces any cross-border aggression, drone activity, or terrorist incidents during the pause.

Authorities stated that the decision demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability and peace, while maintaining preparedness to counter emerging threats.

“Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq” was launched following what officials described as unprovoked cross-border attacks attributed to the Afghan Taliban. The campaign has involved coordinated air and ground offensives targeting militant positions and installations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

According to security sources, the operation—initiated on February 27, 2026—has resulted in substantial damage to militant infrastructure and significant casualties. Officials have reiterated their resolve to continue the mission until its strategic objectives are fully achieved.

The government has also reaffirmed its stance on ensuring a strong and proportionate response to any threats, while prioritizing civilian safety and safeguarding national sovereignty.