In a significant strategic update, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, has reiterated the nation’s unwavering resolve to dismantle terrorist infrastructure “wherever they may be.” Speaking to a gathering of ulema in Rawalpindi, the Field Marshal detailed the progress of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq and addressed the complex geopolitical landscape currently facing the region.
ISPR Rawalpindi, 19 March 2026
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, interacted with Ulema of Ahl-e-Tasheeh community at Rawalpindi where matters of national security and role of Ulema in societal harmony came under discussion.
The Field Marshal underscored… pic.twitter.com/owwQiHGfkX
— Pakistan Defence🇵🇰 (@PakDefence_) March 19, 2026
The “Temporary Pause” in Operations
Following weeks of intense military engagement, Pakistan has announced a temporary pause in Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. According to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, this cessation is effective from midnight March 18-19 to midnight March 23-24.
The pause was granted based on two primary factors:
-
Religious Observance: In honor of the upcoming Eidul Fitr and Islamic norms.
-
Diplomatic Appeals: At the request of “brotherly Islamic countries” seeking to de-escalate the conflict.
The military has made it clear that this is a gesture of good faith. However, the minister warned that any cross-border provocation or drone strike during this window would result in the immediate resumption of the operation with “renewed intensity.” In a reciprocal move, the Afghan Taliban also declared a temporary suspension of their military actions against Pakistan.
Impact Assessment: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
Since its launch on February 26—triggered by unprovoked cross-border firing—the operation has dealt a massive blow to insurgent capabilities. The reported figures underscore the scale of the offensive:
-
Personnel: 707 militants killed and over 938 injured.
-
Strategic Assets: 237 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery guns destroyed.
-
Infrastructure: 255 posts destroyed, 44 captured, and 81 locations targeted via precision air strikes.
Addressing Regional Instability and Extremism
Field Marshal Munir used the platform to address the broader regional context, specifically referencing the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. He highlighted Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy in seeking regional de-escalation while drawing a hard line on domestic fallout from international events.
“Violence in Pakistan, on the basis of incidents occurring in another country, will not be tolerated,” the Field Marshal stated via the ISPR.
He called upon the ulema to play a “critical role” in fostering national cohesion and countering extremist narratives. The Field Marshal emphasized that religious sentiments must never be exploited to incite internal violence or support externally sponsored destabilization.
A Call for Accountability
The COAS remained firm in his message to the Afghan Taliban, demanding they fulfill their international obligations by preventing Afghan soil from being used as a launchpad for terrorism. The military’s stance remains focused on intelligence-based operations to ensure that “Fitna” (strife) is contained and eliminated at its source.
