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Rabat – India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire following several days of cross-border attacks that left dozens dead and many more injured. The decision came after intense international pressure and diplomatic efforts, including mediation by the United States and support from more than 30 other countries.
Both countries confirmed the ceasefire on Saturday, with India’s Foreign Secretary saying military commanders from both sides spoke and agreed to stop all military action by 5:00pm local time. Pakistan’s foreign minister also said this was a complete ceasefire, not a temporary one, and that communication lines between the two militaries had been reopened.
People in Kashmir have expressed relief, hoping that the violence will not return. Many are calling for real political talks to resolve the long-standing conflict.
Tensions between India and Pakistan had reached dangerous new levels in recent days, as both countries launched military strikes against each other, leaving more than 60 people dead and over 50 wounded.
Earlier today, Pakistan’s military said it began “Operation Bunyan Marsoos” after three of its airbases were hit by Indian air-to-surface missiles. The operation, named after an Arabic phrase meaning “a structure made of lead,” targeted six Indian military bases.
At the same time, authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir said that Indian shelling killed at least 13 people and injured more than 50 since last night. In response to the attacks, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority announced closing the country’s airspace from early Saturday until Sunday noon.
Across Indian-administered Kashmir and Punjab, explosions and air raid sirens were reported. The Indian military said drones were spotted in 26 areas and were being “tracked and engaged.” India claims its missile strikes were aimed at “terrorist camps” in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
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Pakistan has accused India of attacking inside its territory for the fourth night in a row, using ballistic missiles against its air bases. In response, Pakistan launched its major military operation.
India, however, blamed Pakistan for starting the conflict and said its actions were only a response to Pakistani attacks.
While the exact details of who fired first are 10 remain unclear, it is clear that both countries have attacked each other’s military bases far beyond the disputed region of Kashmir. This marked a serious escalation and is the most intense fighting between the two nuclear-armed nations outside of the four wars they have fought in the past.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari defended his country’s response. He said Pakistan had no choice but to defend its people and its sovereignty.
People across the region are hoping that this ceasefire marks the beginning of a lasting peace between India and Pakistan.
