Pakistan announced on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, that it would temporarily suspend its campaign of airstrikes against targets in neighboring Afghanistan. The pause is intended to cover the five-day Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of Ramadan, which began on March 19.
The decision follows growing diplomatic pressure from international organizations and foreign governments concerned about escalating tensions. Pakistan's military has conducted several cross-border strikes in recent months, targeting what it claims are militant sanctuaries used by the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other groups.
Afghanistan's Taliban-led government has repeatedly condemned the airstrikes as violations of its sovereignty. The temporary ceasefire is seen as a potential de-escalatory measure during the religious holiday, though it remains unclear if the pause will lead to longer-term diplomatic talks.
