Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a temporary pause in military operations during Eid al-Fitr, marking a rare moment of de-escalation after weeks of heightened cross-border tensions.
The ceasefire will remain in effect from midnight March 18/19 until midnight March 23/24, with both sides confirming the decision separately.
Officials described the move as a goodwill gesture in line with the religious significance of Eid.
Decision Influenced by Regional Mediation
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the decision was taken both as an internal initiative and in response to requests from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye, which have been actively encouraging de-escalation.
Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities also confirmed that their forces would suspend operations during the same period, indicating a reciprocal commitment to the truce.
The pause is part of broader diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
Warning of Immediate Response to Violations
Despite the agreement, both sides have issued clear warnings that any violation of the ceasefire could trigger an immediate resumption of military operations.
Pakistan stated that in the event of cross-border attacks, drone strikes, or terrorist incidents, operations would restart “with renewed intensity.”
This highlights the fragile nature of the agreement, which remains conditional on continued restraint from both sides.
Truce Follows Escalating Border Conflict
The ceasefire comes after weeks of escalating clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, including airstrikes, cross-border exchanges, and rising casualties on both sides.
Tensions have been driven by longstanding disputes, particularly Pakistan’s concerns over militant groups operating from Afghan territory and launching attacks across the border.
Recent incidents, including deadly strikes and mutual accusations, have further intensified the conflict, prompting urgent calls for restraint.
Temporary Relief Amid Ongoing Uncertainty
While the Eid truce offers a brief pause in hostilities, analysts say it does not resolve the underlying issues between the two countries.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether the temporary ceasefire can lead to more sustained dialogue or if tensions will resume once the truce period ends.
