ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and India on Saturday agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, hours after Pakistan launched an operation to exercise its right of self-defence following the Indian missile attacks. The announcement to this effect was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who took to X, saying, “Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect.”
The deputy prime minister said that Pakistan had always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Earlier on Saturday, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan after days of deadly jet fighter, missile, drone and artillery attacks between the nuclear-armed rivals. “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,” Trump said on Truth Social, praising the two countries for “using Common Sense and Great Intelligence.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the agreement follows extensive negotiations by him and Vice President J.D. Vance with Indian and Pakistani Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif and other top officials.
“I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site,” Rubio said on X.
“We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace,” he added.
The announcement comes after Pakistan launched counterattacks against India Saturday after three of its air bases were struck overnight and the conflict between the arch-foes escalated to dangerous levels.
The ceasefire between Pakistan and India is initially till “May 12 2025, noon,” officials said yesterday.
“Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire till 12 May 2025, noon. Several foreign ministers of friendly countries conveyed India’s messages of strong interest in de-escalation and ceasefire to the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (Ishaq Dar). Pakistan agreed to the ceasefire in the interest of regional peace and stability,” said a government official.
He said India had been violating Pakistan’s sovereignty since 7 May 2025. Its actions endangered regional peace and stability. However, Pakistan was showing maximum restraint.
“India’s drone and missile incursions added to the volatility of an already unstable security environment. In the intervening night of 9 and 10 May 2025, India launched missile attacks on many Pakistan Air Force bases and airports. In view of India’s unabated aggression, Pakistan had to exercise its right to self-defence, as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter,” the official said.
He said no country could compromise on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. “The purpose of our action was to demonstrate our right, will, and capability to defend our territory and people. Pakistan has achieved its objectives. It has successfully defended its territory and restored deterrence,” he added.
