On March 20, 2026, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information firmly rejected allegations by the Afghan Taliban claiming a truce violation during Eidul Fitr. The Ministry labeled the accusations as ‘frivolous’ and emphasized that the ceasefire was initiated by Pakistan as a goodwill gesture.
The truce, agreed upon by both Islamabad and Kabul, was set to last from March 18 to March 24, 2026. It was intended to ease tensions during the Islamic festival, following requests from Islamic nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar highlighted that any cross-border attacks or terrorist activities would lead to the immediate resumption of military operations.
The Ministry’s statement suggested that the false claims might be propagated by factions within the Taliban to justify potential aggressive actions. It reiterated Pakistan’s stance against any acts of terrorism or cross-border aggression, stating that such actions would trigger the continuation of ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq‘ with intensified force.
This development comes after a series of exchanges between the two nations, including accusations from the Taliban regarding an airstrike on an addiction treatment center, which Pakistan denies. The situation remains tense, with both sides poised for potential escalation if the truce conditions are violated.
Looking forward, the geopolitical landscape in the region remains fragile. The international community, particularly those involved in facilitating the truce, will be closely monitoring developments, as any breach could have significant implications for regional stability.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 20, 2026
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