UN, China, Turkiye, and other nations applaud de-escalation following days of cross-border hostilities
ISLAMABAD – The international community on Saturday welcomed the announcement of a “full and immediate ceasefire” between Pakistan and India, bringing an end to a dangerous escalation that had involved airstrikes, missile launches, drone attacks, and artillery exchanges.
Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors flared following a deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. India accused Pakistan of involvement without presenting evidence or initiating a formal investigation—a claim Islamabad strongly denied, calling instead for an impartial international inquiry.
In the aftermath, India conducted drone strikes targeting Pakistani territory, resulting in significant civilian casualties. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 24 strikes were recorded across six sites, killing 33 civilians and injuring 76 others. Pakistan responded by downing five Indian fighter jets and targeting Indian military installations, including brigade headquarters and multiple border posts along the Line of Control.
The situation intensified further when India targeted Pakistani airbases early Saturday, prompting a swift military counteroffensive under Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
However, a major breakthrough came later in the day when both nations agreed to a ceasefire, following diplomatic intervention led by U.S. President Donald Trump. The move drew widespread international praise and raised hopes for a longer-term easing of tensions.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the ceasefire as a “positive step that should lead to peace.” His spokesperson stated that Guterres hoped the agreement would foster an environment conducive to resolving deeper, long-standing issues between the two countries.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi personally reached out to Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, praising Pakistan’s restraint and responsible conduct during the crisis. Wang reiterated China’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and national integrity, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
Turkiye also welcomed the development, calling on both nations to seize the opportunity for meaningful dialogue.
“We urge the parties to make maximum use of the opportunity provided by the ceasefire to establish a direct and healthy dialogue,” the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Aljubeir also expressed his country’s support for the ceasefire, while UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy took to social media platform X to commend the decision.
“Today’s ceasefire between India and Pakistan is hugely welcome. I urge both parties to sustain this. De-escalation is in everybody’s interest,” Lammy wrote.
With diplomatic channels now re-engaged and international stakeholders encouraging continued dialogue, the ceasefire is being viewed as a crucial step toward restoring regional stability and avoiding further escalation.
