Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday announced that U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Pakistan and India will continue until at least May 18.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate, the deputy premier—who is also the foreign minister—said the directors general of military operations of both Pakistan and India had communicated via hotline on Wednesday and agreed to extend the ceasefire until May 18.
Earlier, the DGMOs had held a first round of talks, also via hotline, on May 10. “During the DGMOs’ conversation, the ceasefire was extended until May 12,” said Dar. “When the DGMOs spoke again on May 12, the ceasefire was extended until May 14. Further talks on May 14 led to the ceasefire being extended until May 18,” he added.
The deputy prime minister further explained U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had called him on May 10 and said Delhi was ready for a ceasefire. “At that time our phase-I operation was nearing completion,” he said, adding he had conveyed to the U.S. official that Islamabad was ready to stand down if Delhi did so as well. He said he had emphasized that Pakistan did not initiate the conflict.
According to Dar, he had also received calls for other global leaders. He emphasized that Pakistan never requested a ceasefire from any of them. He said the armed forces had successfully countered India’s hegemonic designs in the region, declaring it a great success for the country. He also reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty is a non-negotiable matter for Pakistan.
“This matter will now move to negotiations,” he said, adding dialogue with India would be “composite” and cover all longstanding disputes between the neighboring countries.
Senate Resolution
The Senate unanimously passed a resolution commending the armed forces for their successful conduct of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and delivering a forceful response to Indian aggression during the recent military confrontation.
Tabled by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, the resolution praised the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and the nation at large for their unity and resilience in the face of external threats. It reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional and global peace, while firmly rejecting India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a threat to Pakistan’s national security. It also reiterated support for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions.
The resolution condemned Indian attacks on mosques and innocent civilians during the conflict, describing such actions as violations of international law. It also expressed gratitude to the Pakistani people “for setting aside political differences and demonstrating national unity,” and extended special recognition to the Pakistan Air Force for its role in the operation. It concluded by warning that any future Indian misadventure would receive a robust and full-spectrum response from Pakistan.
Pakistan and India came to the brink of war last week after Delhi targeted civilian infrastructure in cities of Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir after accusing Islamabad of linkages with a terrorist attack in Pahalgam in India-held Kashmir. India has yet to provide any evidence of its allegations.
Pakistan retaliated to the strikes and subsequent drone incursions with Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. The PAF says it downed five Indian jets and intercepted 77 Israeli-made Harop drones during the clash.