Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announces ceasefire with India

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on his social media account, “Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region without compromising its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Dar’s remarks come after US President Donald Trump announced on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire.

Earlier, both India and Pakistan had blamed each other for escalating tensions and urged the other to de-escalate. In a press briefing, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stated that India was committed to non-escalation if Pakistan reciprocated. However, Singh noted that Pakistani ground forces were mobilising towards forward areas, indicating an intent to further escalate the situation.

Dar had said on Friday that his country would consider de-escalation if India stopped further attacks. However, Dar warned that if India launched any further strikes, “our response will follow”. Dar conveyed this message to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio when he contacted him after speaking to India.