Eid Ceasefire Announced by Pakistan and Afghanistan Following Appeals from Islamic Nations

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Thursday announced a temporary ceasefire to mark the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festival, following appeals from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, even as tensions remain high after a deadly attack in Kabul last week. The pause in hostilities is intended to allow both sides a brief respite from ongoing military operations along the border.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar confirmed the development in a post on X, stating that the country would observe the pause from midnight March 18/19 to midnight March 23/24. He noted that the ongoing Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq would resume immediately if any cross-border attack, drone strike, or terrorist incident occurred within Pakistan. Tarar emphasized that the ceasefire was declared voluntarily and in response to requests from “brotherly Islamic countries.”

Shortly after Pakistan’s announcement, Afghan government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed that Afghanistan’s security and defence forces would also suspend defensive operations during the Eid period. Mujahid cautioned, however, that Kabul would respond decisively to any aggression, stating that the country “will respond courageously to any threat.”

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The ceasefire comes amid heightened tensions following allegations by the Taliban-led Afghan administration that Pakistan carried out a deadly strike in Kabul. Deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat claimed that Monday night’s bombardment targeted a drug rehabilitation centre, resulting in at least 400 deaths and around 250 injuries. A mass funeral was held on Wednesday, drawing national and international attention.

Addressing mourners, Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani described the attack as “a highly despicable and lowly act against humanity and Islamic principles,” according to local media reports. The incident has exacerbated already fragile relations between the two neighbours, with calls for accountability and restraint from the international community.

Despite the temporary halt in hostilities, officials from both countries reiterated their readiness to act if provoked, highlighting that the situation remains fragile. Analysts caution that while the Eid ceasefire offers a brief pause, long-term stability along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border will depend on diplomatic engagement and adherence to ceasefire commitments.

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