Islamabad (EFE).- The government announced a five-day truce in its military offensive on Wednesday following mediation by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, just two days after a bombing in Kabul against a hospital that left hundreds of civilian casualties (at least 400), according to the Taliban.
“Given the proximity of the Eid-al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Government of Pakistan has decided to announce a temporary pause in its operation against terrorists and their infrastructure in Afghanistan,” said Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar in a statement.
The statement added that “Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq” will resume with full force in the event of a new cross-border offensive or attack on Pakistani soil during the truce period, which ends on Mar. 24.
“Pakistan offers this gesture of good faith in accordance with Islamic norms; however, if there is a cross-border attack, a drone attack, or a terrorist incident within Pakistan, the operation will resume immediately with renewed intensity,” the statement added.
This temporary cessation of hostilities comes two days after de facto Afghan authorities denounced a massive attack on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul that reportedly caused at least 408 deaths and 265 injuries.
According to the Taliban government, the bombing directly hit a medical area where at least 2,000 patients were sleeping.
Monday’s attack on the Afghan capital provoked a wave of condemnations from the United Nations, regional neighbors, the European Union, and other major powers. These entities, along with humanitarian organizations, have increased pressure on the Pakistani government.
However, the Pakistani army vehemently denied attacking civilian targets, insisting that its operations against Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan insurgent bases were “highly precise and focused,” which they accuse of attacking their territory with Afghan support.
This conflict, rooted in border instability along the Durand Line and a security crisis, has seen previous attempts at de-escalation. In Oct. 2025, Qatar and Turkey mediated an unsuccessful initial approach.
The truce comes at a critical time in the Middle East, marked by direct escalation between Iran, the United States, and Israel, which has prompted Arab powers to urgently intervene and curb a war that would further threaten the stability of millions of people in South Asia. EFE
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