Date: May 10, 2025 – Islamabad
Byline: Hafiz Ullah Storai Sherani
After a week of escalating military tensions, Pakistan and India have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, following intensive U.S.-mediated negotiations. The conflict, the most severe in decades, was triggered by a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 civilians, leading to retaliatory strikes and significant civilian casualties on both sides.
On April 22, 2025, a militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali national. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militants, specifically the Islamic Resistance Front. Pakistan denied involvement and called for a joint investigation.
In response, on May 7, 2025, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting alleged militant camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India stated that the operation was a response to the Pahalgam attack and claimed to target terrorist infrastructure. Pakistan reported civilian casualties and damage to religious sites.
On May 10, 2025, Pakistan launched “Operation Bunyan al-Marsus,” targeting Indian military installations and reportedly downing Indian aircraft.
Casualties:
Pakistan: Reported 31 civilian deaths, including children, and over 46 injuries. Significant damage to mosques and residential areas was reported.
India: Reported 15 civilian deaths, including 4 children, and 43 injuries, primarily in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The conflict led to widespread displacement, panic buying, and the closure of airspace in several regions.
Amid global concern, the United States, led by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, initiated urgent diplomatic talks. On May 10, 2025, President Trump announced that both nations had agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire,” praising the decision as a triumph of “common sense and great intelligence.”
The ceasefire was welcomed by international actors, including the G7 and China, who urged both countries to engage in direct dialogue to prevent future escalations.
Official Statements:
India: Maintains that its military actions were precise and targeted solely at terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan, asserting that no civilian areas were intentionally struck. Indian officials have emphasized their right to defend national security and have called upon Pakistan to dismantle terrorist networks operating from its territory.
Pakistan: Vehemently denies any involvement in the Pahalgam attack and condemns India’s military strikes as unwarranted aggression. The Pakistani Foreign Office has labeled India’s accusations as baseless and has highlighted the need for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Looking Forward: A Fragile Peace
While the ceasefire has halted active hostilities, underlying tensions remain. Both countries have expressed conditional commitments to de-escalation, pending reciprocal actions. Analysts emphasize the need for sustained diplomatic engagement to address the root causes of the conflict, particularly the longstanding Kashmir dispute.
