Pakistan, Taliban Government Announce Temporary Eid al-Fitr Truce

Pakistan and the Taliban government have announced a temporary halt in military operations against each other ahead of Eid al-Fitr.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban government, stated that the suspension came at the request of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar. He said the pause applies to the Taliban's military campaign known as "Rad al-Zulm" or "Radd-ul-Zulm" against Pakistan, though defensive forces remain fully prepared to respond to any threats.

Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that Islamabad would temporarily stop its attacks against the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan during the Eid period.

The announcement follows days of heightened cross-border hostilities, including Pakistani strikes inside Afghanistan. Khaama Press reported that victims of a recent Pakistani attack in Kabul included women and children.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Kuwait welcomed the ceasefire. Pajhwok reported statements from their foreign ministries praising the truce as a positive step toward de-escalation and dialogue, and commending the mediation efforts of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.