ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday affirmed that the ceasefire between Pakistan and India is ongoing, with directors general of military operations (DGMOs) from both countries maintaining regular communication to facilitate de-escalation. He said the DGMOs had engaged on May 10, 12, and 14, and were expected to interact again on May 18.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme Naya Pakistan, Dar stated that Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had not informed Pakistan in advance of the Indian military strikes. While Jaishankar claimed the strikes were targeted at terrorist infrastructure and not military sites, Dar dismissed this narrative as unsubstantiated.
He emphasized that India had failed to present any evidence linking Pakistan to the attack in Pahalgam. Responding to a query, Dar categorically rejected India’s assertion that it had downed an F-16, stating that none of Pakistan’s F-16s were airborne at the time.
Dar credited Pakistan’s armed forces for a calibrated and strong response against Indian aggression, noting that the action was deliberate and restrained. He said Pakistan had conveyed to the international community that it would not initiate hostilities, a position that was later confirmed by diplomatic contacts.
Addressing warnings from some countries that India might retaliate forcefully, Dar said Pakistan had made clear it would respond with equal force. He explained that Pakistan exercised restraint following the Indian strikes but ultimately responded after the night of May 9 intensified the situation.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army also clarified that there was “no expiry date” to the ceasefire understanding reached through DGMO-level talks on May 12. The clarification followed speculation that the temporary arrangement would lapse on Sunday evening.
The original understanding, reached on May 10 for a two-day halt in hostilities, was extended after a second DGMO conversation on May 12. The Indian Army’s statement confirmed that the agreement remained valid and open-ended.
