DE News Desk :
In a surprising development, India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire following days of escalating cross-border violence involving airstrikes, missiles, drones, and artillery fire.
The announcement was first made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who credited both nations for showing “common sense and great intelligence.”
Trump broke the news via a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating:“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. Congratulations to both countries on using common sense and great intelligence.”
Shortly after the post, officials from both Islamabad and New Delhi confirmed the development.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that hostilities across land, air, and sea would cease from 5:00 PM local time (1130 GMT).
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also confirmed the truce in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace without compromising on sovereignty.
A senior Indian government official, speaking anonymously to AFP, clarified that the ceasefire agreement was a result of direct talks between the two nations.
The agreement follows a dangerous escalation that saw deadly strikes on both sides.
Pakistan retaliated against what it described as overnight Indian air raids by targeting Indian air bases, including a reported missile strike near Rawalpindi, just outside the capital.
Indian authorities confirmed missile attacks on several air bases but reported limited damage.
Pakistan-administered Kashmir reported the deaths of 11 civilians due to Indian shelling overnight.
The death toll from recent hostilities has surpassed 60, marking one of the worst flare-ups in decades between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
The current tensions were ignited by a terror attack last month in Indian-administered Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.
New Delhi has blamed the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, while Islamabad has denied any involvement and called for an independent investigation.
As the conflict escalated, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio intervened, urging both nations to restore direct communication and prevent further miscalculation.
Rubio also held direct talks with Pakistan’s powerful military chief—believed to be a key figure in shaping the country’s defense policy.
International appeals for de-escalation poured in, including statements from China and the G7 nations.Tensions were visibly high in conflict zones.
Loud explosions were reported in Srinagar, where the Awantipora airbase was allegedly struck. In Punjab, Indian defense units reported destroying multiple hostile drones over a military cantonment in Amritsar.
In Jammu, panic gripped the population as residents rushed to evacuate the city aboard special trains.
“There were loud explosions the entire night,” said Karan Varma, a mason from Bihar. “There is no choice but to leave.”
While both nations have issued conflicting narratives on the latest exchanges, the ceasefire comes as a critical pause amid fears of a broader war.
Armed activity in Kashmir has intensified since India revoked the region’s semi-autonomous status in 2019, a move that continues to fuel unrest and insurgency.
Whether this ceasefire holds or becomes another temporary lull in a long history of enmity remains to be seen.