logo
Pakistan didn't seek ceasefire: FO

Pakistan didn't seek ceasefire: FO

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday refuted India's assertion that it had requested a ceasefire following Indian aggression on May 10. 'We categorically reject claims that Pakistan sought a ceasefire following the Indian aggression'.
Spokesperson of the Foreign Office Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan stated this while responding to the claims in Indian media that Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan requested a ceasefire with New Delhi.
In response to media queries regarding claims in Indian media, the spokesperson said the Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister, has in his media interviews and statements, explained that Pakistan responded decisively to Indian aggression in exercise of its right to self-defence. 'Friendly states, including Saudi Arabia, and particularly the United States, played a crucial role in facilitating the ceasefire between Pakistan and India,' Ambassador Khan added.
India's Modi maintains there was no US mediation in ceasefire with Pakistan
The sequence of events clearly demonstrates that Pakistan did not initiate or ask anyone for a ceasefire but agreed to it when around 0815 am on 10th May 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the DPM/ FM, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and informed that India is ready to ceasefire if Pakistan is willing, he pointed out.
The FO spokesperson asserted the Deputy Prime Minister confirmed Pakistan's acceptance and later around 9 am Saudi FM Prince Faisal also called DPM and informed the same about India and sought same confirmation which Secretary of State Marco Rubio had sought earlier.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

13 troops martyred in suicide attack on military convoy
13 troops martyred in suicide attack on military convoy

Express Tribune

time7 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

13 troops martyred in suicide attack on military convoy

Field Marshal Gen Syed Asim Munir enquires after the health of a soldier during his visit to CMH Peshawar. Photo: ISPR Listen to article Thirteen servicemen were martyred and three civilians – two children and a woman – injured in a suicide attack targeting a military convoy in North Waziristan tribal district on Saturday as the army chief vowed to relentlessly pursue terrorists and unmask the "true perpetrator of terrorism in the region". "A vehicle-borne suicide bomber attempted to detonate himself near the security forces' convoy but was intercepted by the leading group, foiling his nefarious design," the military's media wing, the ISPR, said in a statement. "However, in their desperation, an explosive-laden vehicle was rammed into one of the vehicles of the leading group by the Indian-sponsored Kharjis," it added. "As a result, 13 brave sons of the soil embraced shahadat." Three innocent civilians – two children and a woman – were also severely injured in the cowardly attack which, according to the ISPR, was "planned and orchestrated by the terrorist state of India through its proxy Fitna al Khawarij." Following the deadly attack, security forces launched a sanitisation operation in the area. "During the ensuing exchange of fire, 14 terrorists were killed," the ISPR said, adding that the operation was still ongoing to eliminate any remaining threats. The ISPR identified the martyrs as Subedar Zahid Iqbal, 45 and resident of Karak; Havildar Sohrab Khan, 39 and resident of Naseerabad; Havildar Mian Yousaf, 41 and resident of Buner; Naik Khitab Shah, 34 and resident of Lower Dir; Lance Naik Ismail, 32 and resident of Naseerabad; Sepoy Rohail, 30 and resident of Mirpurkhas; Sepoy Muhammad Ramzan, 33 and Dera Ghazi Khan; Sepoy Nawab, 30 and resident of Quetta; Sepoy Zubair Ahmed, 24 and resident of Naseerabad; Sepoy Muhammad Sahki, 31 and resident of Dera Ghazi Khan; Sepoy Hashim Abbasi, 20 and resident Abbottabad; Sepoy Muddasir Ejaz, 25 and resident of Layyah; and Sepoy Manzar Ali, 23 and resident of Mardan. The ISPR stated that the injured civilians were provided immediate medical assistance, and further updates on their condition would follow. "The security forces of Pakistan, along with the nation, remain resolute in their determination to eliminate terrorism from the country," it said, adding that the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians "further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation at all costs." A lesser-known Aswadul Harb terrorist group claimed responsibility for the brazen assault in Dandi Dir Dawani village of Mir Ali tehsil and identified the attacker as Abdullah. The attack occurred at 7.45am at a time when a curfew was imposed in the area due to military movement, according to sources. Aswadul Harb is affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bhadur terrorist group which has also carried out similar mass-causality attacks in the past. The HGB, which is an affiliate of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), is operating from its safe havens inside the eastern Khost province of Afghanistan. Field Marshal and army chief Syed Asim Munir – who attended the martyrs' funeral at Bannu garrison and visited the injured at the CMH – vowed to relentlessly pursue and bring to justice all facilitators, abettors, and perpetrators of terrorism. The army chief received a detailed briefing at the Corps Headquarters Peshawar on the prevailing security situation and ongoing counterterrorism operations. He paid rich tribute to the "unwavering courage and resilience of Pakistan's security forces, who continue to confront and neutralise the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij with exemplary valour," the ISPR stated. "He reaffirmed that the people of Pakistan stand united in their resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, until the threat is decisively eliminated from the country." Reiterating the state's uncompromising stance, Gen Munir vowed that all facilitators, abettors, and perpetrators of terrorism will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice—without exception and at all costs and face of true perpetrator of terrorism in the region will be exposed to the entire world. He assured the nation that the blood of every innocent Pakistani shall always be avenged, and any attempt to undermine Pakistan's internal stability will be met with swift and decisive retribution. The field marshal also emphasised the critical need for institutional capacity enhancement of civilian law enforcement agencies, particularly the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police. He urged relevant government stakeholders to prioritise these efforts, while reaffirming the army's continued support in building and augmenting the capabilities of law enforcement institutions. Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a convoy of security forces in North Waziristan. The president in his message paid tribute to 13 brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the operation and added the martyrs ensured the security of the motherland by sacrificing their lives, he added. "The nation will never forget the sacrifices of its martyrs", he said, adding, "Those who sacrificed their lives in the path of defending the homeland are our real heroes." He said, "Such a cowardly attack cannot dampen the morale of the nation." He also appreciated the security forces for killing 14 Khawarij in North Waziristan. "Pakistani nation and security forces are determined to root out Indian-sponsored terrorism," he remarked. The president prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured civilians, children and women. "May Allah Almighty elevate the ranks of the martyrs and grant patience to their families," he said adding, "Security forces operations will continue until terrorism is completely eradicated." Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while strongly condemning the attack, paid tribute to the martyred soldiers. He expressed grief over the injury of innocent civilians in the terrorist attack. He prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and expressed condolences to their families. The prime minister appreciated the security forces for killing 14 Khawarij terrorists during the operation. He said the Indian-backed terrorists committed a cowardly act, adding, "The entire nation salutes the martyrs." He said, "We are determined to completely eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country."

Kashmir struggle legitimate: COAS
Kashmir struggle legitimate: COAS

Express Tribune

time10 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

Kashmir struggle legitimate: COAS

The passing-out parade of 127 midshipmen is being held in Karachi. PHOTO: NNI Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir has said that India's portrayal of the Kashmiri freedom movement as terrorism is misleading, describing it instead as a legitimate and lawful struggle recognised under international law. "What India labels as terrorism is, in fact, a legitimate and lawful struggle for freedom, recognised by international law," said Field Marshal Asim Munir. Speaking at a commissioning parade held at the Pakistan Naval Academy on Saturday, the army chief urged the nation to remember the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people resisting India's "illegal occupation" of Jammu and Kashmir. "At such a time, we must not forget the sacrifices of our Kashmiri brothers who are struggling against Indian occupation," he said. He accused India of deliberately escalating regional tensions just as Pakistan nears success in its fight against terrorism. Munir reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to eliminate terrorism. "We will take our fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion and rid the country of this menace once and for all," he declared. Reiterating Pakistan's longstanding stance on Kashmir, the army chief said, "Pakistan strongly supports a fair and peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue in line with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people." He paid tribute to all martyrs who have laid down their lives in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir for the cause of freedom, and saluted the courage of those who continue the struggle. The COAS asserted that India's oppressive tactics cannot break the will of the Kashmiri people. Pakistan will continue to offer unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support to Kashmiris. Quoting from Surah Al-Imran, verse 54 "They plotted, and Allah also planned, and Allah is the best of planners".

PIA CEO seeks govt help to reopen UK route
PIA CEO seeks govt help to reopen UK route

Express Tribune

time10 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

PIA CEO seeks govt help to reopen UK route

PIA Chief Executive Officer Pakistan International Airlines AVM Amir Hayat on Saturday called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar. Appreciating the DPM/FM's continued support, he requested further diplomatic assistance for the resumption of flights to the UK. Dar informed that he and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were actively engaged with the UK authorities to ensure the lifting of the ban at the earliest. The CEO acknowledged that during the PDM government (2022–2023) necessary groundwork was laid, enabling PIA & CAA to meet ICAO requirements.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store