US brokers Pakistan-India truce after military unleashes firepower on enemy under Operation ‘Bunyan-al-Marsoos’
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and India on Saturday agreed to a ceasefire brokered by the United States in a dramatic turn of events preventing a wider conflict between the two nuclear armed neighbours.
However, within hours of the agreement, the Indian foreign secretary accused Pakistan for violating the ceasefire. The Foreign Office late night issued a statement and rejected Indian allegations, saying Pakistan was committed to the ceasefire agreement.
A statement issued by the FO spokesperson in response to media queries on the issue said: “Pakistan remains committed to faithful implementation of ceasefire between Pakistan and India, announced earlier today.
“Notwithstanding the violations being committed by India in some areas, our forces are handling the situation with responsibility and restraint.”
The spokesperson said that any issues in the smooth implementation of the ceasefire should be addressed through communication at appropriate levels.
“The troops on ground should also exercise restraint,” he added.
Earlier when Pakistan on the early hours of Saturday launched a barrage of missile strikes through air and surface, targeting 26 military installations across India, the panic was not only set in New Delhi but in many world capitals.
Pakistan had promised retaliation after India conducted a series of missile strikes hitting deep inside the cities. Their strikes killed 26 innocent civilians.
The tipping point, however, was India’s missile strikes on airbases, including Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi. The Nur Khan base is not only a key logistic base but is used for VVIP movements.
Soon after the Indian missile strikes, Pakistan launched a massive attack that stunned India. At that point, world capitals, including the Indian closest allies, realised that the situation reached a point where anything could happen.
As people woke up to more missile and drone exchanges between the two countries, diplomacy was already at work.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army chief General Syed Asim Munir and Indian External Affairs Minister.
In the afternoon, when people in many cities in Pakistan came out to celebrate the country’s victory, President Trump broke the story about the ceasefire.
“After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence,” he said in a post on Truth Social.
Minutes after the US president’s announcement, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the development on social media, while also reaffirming Pakistan’s consistent pursuit of peace and regional stability while emphasising that the country remains firm in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a statement posted on social media, Jaishankar said, “India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action.”
He reiterated India’s longstanding position on terrorism, stating that the country maintains a “firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations” and will continue to do so.
Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri later also confirmed an immediate ceasefire agreement had been reached Pakistan, suspending all military operations on land, in the air, and at sea
Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, Misri said the decision was the result of sustained diplomatic engagement and reflects a mutual desire to prevent further escalation.
“The government of India confirms that all military activity with Pakistan has been suspended with immediate effect across all domains,” he stated.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to an immediate ceasefire and are to begin formal talks on a range of issues at a neutral venue, following intensive US diplomatic efforts.
In a statement posted on social media, Rubio said that over the past 48 hours, he and US Vice President JD Vance had engaged with senior Pakistani and Indian leaders, including Prime Ministers Shehbaz Sharif and Narendra Modi and, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik.
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 dead. India blamed Pakistan-based elements without providing evidence; Islamabad rejected the allegations.
In response, India closed the Wagah border, revoked Pakistani visas, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan called the move an “act of war” and sealed its side of the crossing. TET
