Pakistan PM hails 'historic victory' after ceasefire with India
In a televised address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a "historic victory" for Pakistan following a US-mediated ceasefire agreement with India.
India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbors, agreed to a sudden ceasefire on Saturday following diplomatic efforts led by the United States.
The agreement aimed to halt a fast-escalating conflict that had raised fears of a full-scale war. However, just hours after the announcement, new ceasefire violations were reported in major cities of Indian-administered Kashmir, including Srinagar and Jammu. Residents and officials described hearing explosions and witnessing flashes in the night sky.
Neither country’s military provided immediate comment. The recent fighting had been the most intense in nearly 30 years and had raised concerns that nuclear weapons could be involved. Pakistan's military even mentioned a possible meeting of its nuclear command authority, but the defense minister later denied any such plans. The most recent round of violence resulted in 66 civilian deaths.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the ceasefire on social media, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to peace while emphasizing its sovereignty. India's foreign secretary said both sides' military leaders had spoken and agreed to stop hostilities from 5 p.m. Indian time, though the term "ceasefire" was not used in the official statement.
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the news, crediting overnight talks led by the U.S. for the breakthrough. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that several key officials from both countries, including Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif, were involved in the negotiations. Around 36 other countries also played a role in reaching the agreement.
India had launched airstrikes in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir earlier in the week, claiming to target terrorist sites in response to a deadly attack on Hindu tourists. Pakistan denied any involvement in the attack. The following days saw missile strikes and artillery fire exchanged across the border.
Despite the ceasefire, Indian government sources told Reuters that punitive measures such as the suspension of trade and visas would remain in place. The crucial Indus Waters Treaty, suspended by India, also remains inactive for now.
Future talks are planned to take place at a neutral venue and will address a wider range of issues, according to Secretary Rubio. Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar reaffirmed India's hardline stance against terrorism.
On both sides of the border, the news of the ceasefire was met with relief. Airports in Pakistan resumed full operations, and media showed tanks withdrawing from border areas. Omar Abdullah, chief minister of Indian-administered Kashmir, welcomed the ceasefire but lamented the delay that cost lives.
Analysts emphasized the importance of redirecting attention to socio-economic development in both countries. Experts also expect that the suspended Indus Waters Treaty will be a major topic in the upcoming negotiations.
India and Pakistan have long been in conflict over the Kashmir region since their partition in 1947. They have fought three wars, two of them over Kashmir and continue to face frequent border skirmishes. India accuses Pakistan of supporting terrorism in Kashmir, while Pakistan denies this, saying it only offers moral and diplomatic support to separatists.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
A Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force has reportedly been shot down for the first time in combat, according to sources cited by CNN, marking a significant and symbolic development in the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
Dua Lipa, Sir Elton John, Sir Ian McKellen, and Florence Welch are among over 400 British artists, musicians, and writers calling on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to update copyright laws to safeguard their work from artificial intelligence.
As Mother’s Day approaches, new tariffs are driving up the cost of imported flowers, putting pressure on an industry already dealing with economic strain.
Pope Leo XIV made his first public outing on Saturday since being elected, stopping to pray at the tomb of Pope Francis at St Mary Major Basilica in Rome.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, has shared his experience of participating in the recent conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV has identified artificial intelligence (AI) as one of the key challenges facing humanity as he outlined his vision for the papacy.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment