Pakistan and India Agree to Ceasefire After US-Mediated Talks; PM Shehbaz Appreciates Trump's Role
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Briefs Political Leaders on Indian Aggression and Pakistan's Retaliatory Action
Islamabad: In a significant development amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, both countries have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following mediation efforts by US President Donald Trump. The breakthrough came after intense exchanges earlier in the day, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and political leaders welcoming the move as a step toward regional peace.
The hostilities began in the early hours of Saturday when Indian forces targeted Pakistani airbases, prompting Pakistan to launch *Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos* in retaliation. The conflict de-escalated by Saturday afternoon, with both sides agreeing to a complete ceasefire effective from 4:30 PM PKT.
US President Donald Trump announced the truce in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “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.” He commended both nations for “using common sense and great intelligence” in reaching the agreement.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the ceasefire *“with immediate effect”* in a post on X, emphasizing that *“Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”* His Indian counterpart, Subhramanyam Jaishankar, echoed the sentiment, stating that both nations had *“worked out an understanding on the stoppage of firing and military action.”* He reiterated India’s firm stance against terrorism while acknowledging the ceasefire.
Indian Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri disclosed that the ceasefire was finalized at 5 PM IST (4:30 PM PKT), with military officials from both sides agreeing to halt all land, air, and sea operations. He added that Directors General of Military Operations would reconvene on May 12 at 12 PM IST (11:30 AM PKT) to further discuss the situation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to Trump for his “leadership and proactive role” in facilitating the agreement. In a statement on X, he said, “Pakistan appreciates the US for facilitating this outcome, which we have accepted in the interest of regional peace and stability.” He also thanked US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their contributions, expressing hope that the agreement would pave the way for resolving longstanding regional issues.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Pakistan has consistently pursued dialogue and diplomacy as the “only viable path to peace”.
“War, violence and aggression are never the answer,” the Bhutto scion wrote on X. “Now that both India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire and dialogue, we welcome this as a victory for diplomacy.”
Bilawal appreciated the role of the US, Saudi Arabia and all countries “involved in achieving this historic milestone
Earlier, PM Shehbaz held consultations with key political leaders, including Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, MQM Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and others, briefing them on India’s aggression and Pakistan’s measured response. He highlighted that despite India’s missile and drone strikes, Pakistan had exercised restraint before delivering a robust counterstrike under *Operation Swift Retort*, targeting military installations used in the attacks.
Political leaders across party lines lauded the armed forces for their professionalism and resolve, pledging full support to the government during the crisis. ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan and IPP leader Abdul Aleem Khan also commended the Prime Minister’s leadership and the military’s swift response in defending national sovereignty.
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