In the wake of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has declared Pakistan's commitment to a ceasefire and de-escalation of tensions with India. This statement follows a period of intense conflict that began after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. India responded to the attack with precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border.
Dar's announcement came during a session in Pakistan's Senate, where he revealed that the ceasefire, initially established through communication between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries on May 10, has been extended until May 18. He noted that further discussions between the DGMOs are expected to take place on May 18. According to the Indian Army, both countries have decided to continue confidence-building measures along the border in order to reduce alertness levels.
Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Armed Forces to target terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, responding to the Pahalgam terrorist attack. India targeted nine sites in the operation, taking measured, non-escalatory actions, and avoiding Pakistani military facilities.
The recent conflict saw intense exchanges of drones and missiles. India retaliated to Pakistan's attempts to target civilian and military infrastructure with a multi-layered assault strategy spearheaded by BrahMos missiles. The Indian Air Force (IAF) used BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to strike Pakistani airbases. Approximately 15 BrahMos missiles were launched in precision attacks that targeted critical infrastructure across 11 of 12 key Pakistani Air Force bases, effectively paralyzing its air defense and strike capabilities.
According to an American urban warfare expert, Colonel (Retd) John Spencer, India demonstrated both offensive and defensive superiority, sending a message that it can hit "anywhere in Pakistan, anytime". Spencer added that Chinese air defense systems used by Pakistan were no match for India's BrahMos missiles.
Despite Pakistan's commitment to the ceasefire, tensions remain. Following Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning to Pakistan, stating that India would not succumb to nuclear blackmail and that terror and talks cannot go together. Pakistan's foreign ministry responded by saying that the country "remains committed to the recent ceasefire understanding, taking necessary steps towards de-escalation, regional stability". However, the ministry also rejected what it described as "provocative and inflammatory assertions by the Indian PM".
India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also issued a warning to Pakistan, stating that the ceasefire effectively puts Pakistan on "probation" pending its conduct. "If the behaviour improves, it is fine; but if there is any disturbance, harshest punishment will be given," Singh said.
Furthermore, India has decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably gives up its support for cross-border terrorism.
Ishaq Dar has suggested that political dialogue will ultimately have to take place to resolve the problems between the two nations. However, India's stand remains firm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated that any future discussions will be confined to terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
