Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a temporary pause in military operations during Eid al-Fitr, marking a short-term de-escalation in tensions between the two countries.
The truce, announced separately by both sides, will remain in effect from midnight March 18/19 until midnight March 23/24, with officials warning that any violation could lead to an immediate resumption of military action.
Truce Announced as Goodwill Gesture
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the decision was taken as a goodwill gesture in line with the spirit of Eid, as well as in response to requests from countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye.
Afghanistan also confirmed the pause, indicating a reciprocal step aimed at reducing hostilities during the religious holiday.
Officials stressed that the ceasefire is temporary and conditional, with both sides reserving the right to respond if attacks occur.
Pause Follows Escalation in Cross-Border Conflict
The agreement comes after weeks of heightened tensions and cross-border strikes between the two countries.
Recent clashes included airstrikes and retaliatory actions, with both sides accusing each other of targeting civilian and military sites. International concern has grown over the risk of further escalation in the region.
The ongoing conflict is rooted in longstanding security concerns, particularly Pakistan’s allegations that militant groups operate from Afghan territory, a claim Kabul has repeatedly denied.
Conditions Attached to the Ceasefire
Pakistani authorities made it clear that the pause in operations is conditional.
- Any cross-border attack could end the truce immediately
- Military operations may resume without delay if security threats emerge
- Monitoring of the situation will continue throughout the Eid period
The pause is part of a broader effort to prevent further escalation during a sensitive period.
International Community Welcomes Move
The United Nations has welcomed the temporary halt in hostilities, calling it a positive step toward de-escalation and urging both sides to extend the ceasefire beyond Eid.
Global actors have repeatedly called for restraint, warning that continued conflict could destabilise the wider region.
Short-Term Relief, Long-Term Uncertainty
While the Eid truce offers temporary relief, it does not resolve the underlying issues driving tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Analysts note that without sustained diplomatic engagement, the risk of renewed clashes remains high once the truce expires.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether the pause leads to longer-term dialogue or simply delays further confrontation.