Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar announced that Pakistan and India have agreed to maintain a ceasefire until Sunday, May 18, following discussions between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries.
Addressing the Senate, Dar made it clear that Pakistan will not accept any notion of regional dominance. “Dialogue will take place on equal footing. The matter will ultimately move towards negotiations,” he said. A consensus has been reached between the two countries to extend the ceasefire, which will now remain in effect until May 18.
He firmly denied any claims that Pakistan had requested a ceasefire. “At 8:15 AM on May 10, I received the first call from Marco Rubio, who conveyed that India was ready for a ceasefire. I responded that if India is ready, then Pakistan is also prepared,” Dar stated. He emphasized that Pakistan’s armed forces were informed only after India’s intent was verified and assurances were sought regarding Indian compliance.
Dar added that within an hour of Rubio’s call, he received another phone call from Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal, who also discussed the ceasefire and confirmed Rubio’s earlier communication.
Highlighting Pakistan’s military response, the Deputy Prime Minister stated, “We have avenged what India did. The Pakistan Air Force has proven its dominance in the skies, and India’s dream of regional supremacy has been buried.”
He further clarified that the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be suspended or revoked, though amendments can be discussed. He also noted that the President of the World Bank has issued a statement regarding the treaty, reaffirming its ongoing relevance.
