Pakistan, India agree to immediate ceasefire following weeks of deadly clashes
CBC
India and Pakistan on Saturday agreed to a ceasefire following U.S.-led talks to end the most serious military confrontation in decades between the nuclear-armed rivals.
The development follows weeks of clashes, missiles and drone strikes across their border that were triggered by an attack on tourists last month in the Indian-controlled section of the disputed region of Kashmir. India blamed that attack on Pakistan, which denied the charge.
It was the two countries' most serious confrontation in decades and left dozens of civilians dead on both sides.
The first word on the truce Saturday came from U.S. President Donald Trump, who posted on his Truth Social platform that he was pleased to announce India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire.
"Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence."
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Saudi Arabia and Turkey played an important role in facilitating the deal, which came into effect at 4:30 p.m. local time.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the heads of military operations from India and Pakistan spoke Saturday afternoon.
"It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, and in the air and sea. Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding."
The top military leaders would speak again on Monday, Misri added.
The deal has brought a swift end to military escalation.
People in many cities in Pakistan welcomed the news after days of heightened tensions.
"This is a big day for Pakistan," said Mohammad Fateh, a young man in the city of Lahore. "Our forces responded with strength, and India had no choice but to agree to a ceasefire."
In Islamabad, Zubaida Bibi, 45, expressed joy at the restoration of peace with India, saying, "War brings nothing but suffering. We are happy that calm is returning. It feels like Eid to me."
In the northwest of Pakistan, in the city of Peshawar and tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, some people fired guns in the air to celebrate the ceasefire.
