Ishaq Dar Clarifies Ceasefire Terms Amid Tensions
The US and Saudi Arabia's diplomatic efforts played a key role in conveying India's willingness to ceasefire, leading to Pakistan's agreement and the subsequent de-escalation of hostilities, with Senator Ishaq Dar's statements emphasizing Pakistan's military response as a reaction to Indian provocations.
Pakistan has denied reports that it requested a ceasefire during the recent military standoff with India, instead stating that it responded decisively to Indian actions and that de-escalation occurred after interventions from the US and Saudi Arabia.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the reports claiming Pakistan requested a ceasefire are "entirely baseless" and that the country's response to Indian aggression was in line with its right to self-defence. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar had previously stated that Pakistan's military response was a direct reaction to Indian provocations, emphasizing the country's commitment to sovereignty and self-defence.
The Foreign Office clarified that a ceasefire was arranged through third-party diplomatic channels, specifically involving the US and Saudi Arabia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal conveyed India's willingness to ceasefire to Pakistan, which agreed after confirmation. This external facilitation helped bring about the cessation of hostilities, with Pakistan reaffirming its position based on sovereignty and self-defence.
The clarification from Pakistan's Foreign Office and the role of the US and Saudi Arabia in facilitating the ceasefire highlight the complex dynamics at play in the region. Pakistan's commitment to peace and its right to respond to aggression are central to its stance, and the international community's involvement has been crucial in reducing tensions.