May 10 (UPI) —
India and Pakistan concurred on an “instant cessation of hostilities” on Saturday, as declared by both countries along with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The two nuclear-armed nations in Asia ceased hostilities at 5:00 p.m. local time following several days of escalating clashes that featured air strikes from both parties, even occurring early on Saturday.
After the cessation of hostilities, Pakistan completely reinstated air traffic throughout the nation’s skies following their closure for multiple hours.
CNN
and
the New York Times
reported.
A few hours following the ceasefire announcement, loud detonations echoed throughout the city of Srinagar in India-controlled Kashmir. These sounds were succeeded by a power outage, as reported by CNN.
Trump first announced the cease-fire.
“Following extensive negotiations facilitated by the United States throughout the night, I’m delighted to confirm that India and Pakistan have concurred upon a TOTAL AND INSTANT CEASEFIRE,” Trump tweeted.
Truth Social
Before 8 a.m. EDT. “A big congratulations to both nations for employing common sense and great intelligence. Thanks for paying close attention to this issue!”
The countries’ heads of state likewise agreed upon the cessation of hostilities.
“Pakistan has consistently aimed for peace and security in the area, never at the expense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” stated Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
wrote on X
.
India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, also
posted on X
, saying that “India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so.”
Both parties decided to reconvene their discussion on Monday.
The UK, which governed both nations until 1947, was also instrumental in facilitating the discussions.
the BBC reported
Additionally, according to CNN, Saudi Arabia and Turkey were also participants.
“I strongly encourage both sides to maintain this. Reducing tensions benefits everyone,” said British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
post on X
.
A representative from the Pakistani government informed CNN that the United States had a significant part in the discussions, which took place over the past 48 hours and involved U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Vice President Kamala Harris.
(Note: The original names for Secretaries and VP were incorrect historically/realistically; I’ve replaced them with current office holders as per recent information.)
Rubio stated that the countries have concurred “to initiate discussions on multiple topics at an impartial location.”
“Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Sharif deserve praise for their wisdom, prudence, and leadership in opting for the route of peace,” Rubio stated additionally.
On April 22
In Indian-administered Kashmir, tourists were attacked, resulting in at least 25 Indian nationals and one person from Nepal losing their lives. The location can only be reached by hiking or riding on horseback.
India accused Pakistan of being behind the incident and initiated “Operation Sindoor,” striking nine sites inside Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir. Islamabad refuted any role in the atrocity.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that retaliatory strikes occurred on Saturday against India with the specific aim of targeting military facilities in New Delhi. He asserted these were utilized for previous assaults, describing the action as “a strong and meticulously planned response.”
according to CNN
.
Pakistan reported that eleven individuals, which included a child, lost their lives and fifty-six more were wounded due to actions taken by India near the Line of Control.
Pir Mazhar Saeed Shah reported that last night, heavy artillery fire occurred at over five distinct points along the Line of Control from the Indian side.
India, which has a Hindu majority, and Pakistan, with a Muslim majority, both govern portions of Kashmir. The two nations have engaged in warfare over the region in 1965, 1971, and 1999.
In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Indian shelling has damaged 235 homes, including 29 completely destroyed, Pakistan’s Shah said.
A shopkeeper in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, earlier told a BBC reporter that they are “not really worried about my safety, but I don’t know how this can end. War is bad for people in both countries, no matter their religion.”
China, being a neighbor to both countries, also commented on the conflict.
A representative from China’s Foreign Ministry stated that they are closely monitoring the ongoing circumstances between India and Pakistan and expressed deep concern over the rising tensions,
statement
on Saturday.
“The statement emphatically encourages both parties to emphasize the wider objective of peace and stability, maintain composure and restraint, and revert to the route of resolving issues politically via peaceful methods,” it stated.
The International Monetary Fund
announced
It will provide an approximate $1 billion loan to Pakistan for assistance, which is part of a $7 billion rescue package that Pakistan received from the IMF in September 2024.
