- Diplomat says military talks aim to make truce “sustainable”
- ISPR Director General confident ceasefire can “hold easily”
- Confirms confidence-building measures from both sides
- Notes Indian Kashmir policy is ineffective
ISLAMABAD: Officials from Pakistan and India have confirmed that the ceasefire reached after days of military clashes does not have a fixed expiry date, dispelling rumors that the truce would expire this weekend without renewal.
Speculation about a Sunday deadline surfaced after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar informed Pakistan’s Senate last Thursday that the directors general of military operations (DGMOs) from both countries agreed during a May 14 discussion to extend the ceasefire until May 18.
This led media reports suggesting the ceasefire was set to end. However, officials from both sides clarified on Sunday that no DGMO talks were planned for that day, and the ceasefire—brokered through intense US diplomatic efforts—remains in effect without any set termination date.
“There is no expiry date to the halt in hostilities, as reaffirmed in the DGMO interaction on May 12,” an Indian official stated, countering rumors of an imminent collapse.
While the Pakistan Army has not issued an official statement, a diplomat speaking anonymously confirmed the ceasefire is ongoing with no fixed timeline, emphasizing that DGMO discussions focus on making the ceasefire durable.
The ceasefire, declared on May 10, followed the most severe escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in over 20 years, involving cross-Line of Control shelling, drone incursions, and air strikes. The United States, with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading the effort, played a crucial role in mediating the truce, supported by Saudi Arabia.
Though initial ceasefire violations were reported the day after the agreement, military commanders have since engaged in constructive dialogue. During a May 12 call, Pakistan’s Maj Gen Kashif Abdullah and India’s Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai reinforced commitments to avoid hostile actions, officials said.
They agreed to begin a phased reduction of forward troop deployments along the international border, reverting to peacetime arrangements where Pakistan Rangers and India’s Border Security Force primarily guard the border.
Foreign Office spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan confirmed both DGMOs “have maintained regular contact since May 10” and agreed to develop a structured de-escalation mechanism.
While Islamabad views the ceasefire as a potential step toward wider peace talks addressing longstanding disputes like Kashmir and water rights, India has taken a firmer position.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the ceasefire as a “temporary pause,” with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stating, “Operation Sindoor is not over yet … Pakistan is on probation.”
‘Ceasefire Will Hold Easily’
Echoing Pakistan’s position, military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry told Arab News that the ceasefire is holding firmly.
The DG ISPR also reiterated Pakistan’s long-held stance that the Kashmir dispute remains a critical issue requiring dialogue.
“This ceasefire will hold easily, and confidence-building measures have been established through communication between both sides,” he said.
“If any violations occur, our response is targeted only at the posts responsible. We never target civilians or civilian infrastructure.”
Risk of Further Conflict
The Pakistani military spokesperson also warned of serious repercussions if India follows through on threats to cut Pakistan’s share of the Indus River water.
Last month, India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty unilaterally, accusing Pakistan of involvement in a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir—a charge Pakistan denies.
“Their policy in Kashmir—based on oppression and forced integration—is failing,” he stated.
“Until India agrees to dialogue on Kashmir, the risk of conflict remains. If they persist in such actions, the world will witness the consequences, which we will continue to resist for years to come. No one dares to stop Pakistan’s water supply.”
The Indus Waters Treaty, mediated by the World Bank, has survived multiple wars and is regarded as one of the most successful international water-sharing agreements. Its potential breakdown adds a dangerous new dimension to the already tense regional situation.
