QUETTA (HRNW): In a significant diplomatic development ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, Pakistan and Afghanistan have announced a “temporary pause” in their ongoing cross-border military operations. Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar confirmed on Wednesday that the decision to halt operations was made following formal requests from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. The ceasefire is scheduled to remain in effect from the night of March 18–19 until the night of March 23–24, allowing for a peaceful observation of the religious holiday. However, Minister Tarar issued a stern warning that the pause is strictly conditional, stating that any cross-border attack or act of terrorism would result in the “immediate” resumption of military strikes. Simultaneously, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that the interim government in Kabul has also declared a temporary halt to its retaliatory actions against Pakistan. This brief cessation of hostilities comes amid a period of intense regional friction and is seen by analysts as a window for de-escalation mediated by key international allies.
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