Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has confirmed that India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect, stating that Islamabad "has always strived for peace". The announcement follows heightened tensions and escalating military exchanges between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The ceasefire agreement was announced on Saturday, May 10, 2025, after weeks of clashes triggered by a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22. India blamed the attack on the Islamic Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based group. Pakistan denied any involvement and called for a neutral investigation.
Recent events leading up to the ceasefire include:
- April 22, 2025: Gunmen killed 26 people in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, triggering a regional conflict.
- April 23, 2025: India downgraded diplomatic ties, closed the border, and suspended a key water treaty with Pakistan, blaming it for backing the attack. Pakistan denied the charge.
- April 24, 2025: India and Pakistan canceled visas for each other's nationals. Pakistan shut its airspace for all Indian-owned or Indian-operated airlines.
- April 25, 2025: India said its troops exchanged fire with Pakistani soldiers at the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border dividing the disputed Kashmir region.
- May 6, 2025: India announced "Operation Sindoor," targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir, alleging they were used to plan attacks.
- May 7, 2025: India launched missiles into Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, reportedly killing at least 31 people.
- May 10, 2025: India and Pakistan carried out strikes using drones and missiles, escalating the conflict.
The ceasefire agreement stipulates a cessation of all firing and military action on land, air, and sea, starting at 5 p.m. local time on Saturday. Instructions have been given on both sides to implement this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) from both countries will speak again on May 12, 2025.
Several factors contributed to the ceasefire:
- International Mediation: The United States, led by President Trump, played a significant role in mediating talks between India and Pakistan. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials. Saudi Arabia and Turkey also played a role in facilitating the deal.
- Diplomatic Pressure: The European Union and G7 nations urged maximum restraint from both sides. Saudi Arabia and other countries with ties to both India and Pakistan reportedly worked to de-escalate the conflict.
- Willingness to De-escalate: Officials from both sides expressed a willingness to take a step back. Pakistan's foreign minister stated that Pakistan would consider de-escalation if India stopped further attacks, while India affirmed its commitment to non-escalation if Pakistan reciprocated.
The announcement of the ceasefire has been met with relief and joy by many in Pakistan. People welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a moment of national pride and relief after days of heightened tension. Pakistan has also announced the opening of its airspace for all kinds of traffic.
Despite the ceasefire, India has maintained a firm stance against terrorism. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed that India's stance on terrorism will remain unchanged. The emerging status quo remains risky, and future provocations could lead to further conflict.
