What is the difference between al-'afw (forgiveness) and al-safh (overlooking/pardoning)?

Forgiveness (al-Safh) is more profound than pardoning (al-ʿAfw). Pardoning is not taking someone to task, even if some lingering effect remains in the soul. As for forgiveness (al-Safh), it is overlooking the mistake while erasing its trace from the soul. From this derives the Almighty's saying: "Then, should We turn away the Reminder from you, disregarding (safhan) you?"