Pakistan, India formally agree to ceasefire: Ishaq Dar
Islamabad: Pakistan and India have formally agreed to a ceasefire following days of heightened tensions, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar confirmed on Saturday evening.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Ishaq Dar, speaking to the media, moments after United States President Donald Trump announced a US-backed ceasefire, said both sides have agreed to halt hostilities starting 4:30pm today.
He said Pakistan had always been open to a ceasefire but made it clear that any future aggression by India would be met with a firm response.
He extended gratitude to all countries that played a role in brokering the ceasefire, especially acknowledging efforts by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Dar added that diplomatic efforts had been ongoing throughout the day, which eventually led to the agreement this morning. “Pakistan has always worked for regional peace without compromising its sovereignty,” he remarked.
On the Indian side, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also confirmed the ceasefire, reported Indian media. He said all military actions would be suspended and that Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both sides would hold talks on May 12.
“In the talks, both sides agreed on a ceasefire in land, sea and air from this evening,” said Misri.
Rubio, in a statement regarding the ceasefire, said that the US Vice President JD Vance had been in contact with senior Pakistani and Indian officials for the past 48 hours.
“I am pleased to announce that Pakistan and India have agreed to an immediate ceasefire,” the US secretary of state stated.
He added that both countries will now hold talks on a wide range of issues at a neutral venue.