After four days of escalating air and artillery strikes, Pakistan and India announced an immediate ceasefire on Saturday, signaling a de-escalation along the Line of Control in Kashmir.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region without compromising sovereignty and territorial integrity. He credited diplomatic outreach by the U.S., Türkiye and Saudi Arabia for helping broker the deal.
In New Delhi, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri outlined the timeline: at 15:35 local time, the Director General of Military Operations in Pakistan called his Indian counterpart. Both sides agreed to halt all firing and military actions on land, air and sea effective 17:00 local time. A follow-up DGMO call is scheduled for May 12 at 12:00 local time.
Following the agreement, Pakistan fully reopened its airspace for civilian and cargo flights, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority. An anonymous Indian government source confirmed the bilateral nature of the ceasefire.
This ceasefire follows India’s air strikes earlier in the week in response to the attack in Pahalgam town. Observers say this pause offers a window for diplomatic dialogue and could pave the way for more lasting stability in the region.
We will keep monitoring developments along the LoC as leaders seek to turn the ceasefire into a longer-term peace.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
