Pakistan-India Ceasefire Holds Steady, But India Resists Accepting Defeat: FM Ishaq Dar

Kuala Lumpur — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has stated that the military-to-military ceasefire between Pakistan and India remains steady, but criticized India’s political leadership for being unable to accept the recent developments.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Pakistan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, DPM Dar said, “Pakistan-India military-to-military ceasefire is working fine, but India’s political leadership is unable to digest it.”

The two nuclear-armed neighbors clashed militarily in May this year, engaging in their worst fighting in decades. The conflict involved missiles, drones, and artillery fire over four days before both sides agreed to a ceasefire. Pakistan responded to what it described as Indian aggression with a large-scale retaliatory operation named “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” targeting several Indian military positions across multiple regions.

The ceasefire announcement was made publicly by then US President Donald Trump via social media after Washington mediated talks. However, India disputed Trump’s claims that the ceasefire was a direct result of his intervention and threats to halt trade negotiations.

While attending the 32nd Ministerial Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Kuala Lumpur, DPM Dar also condemned India’s recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling it a “strange move.” He warned, “India cannot stop or divert Pakistan’s water… New Delhi is facing growing isolation globally.”

Dar accused India of becoming internationally isolated due to its aggressive policies. Reflecting on the recent conflict, he highlighted Pakistan’s swift military response, stating, “PAF shot down six Indian pilots including four Rafales.” He further alleged that India deliberately targeted Sikh-populated areas with missile strikes during the hostilities.

Recalling how the conflict ended, Dar said, “India started the war and ended it by asking for a ceasefire. At 8:15 in the morning, [the] US secretary of state called and said India wants a ceasefire.”

On Pakistan’s economic situation, Dar expressed optimism despite challenges, saying, “Pakistan has made an economic take-off and now our goal is to get the country included in the G20.”

Earlier in the day, DPM Ishaq Dar met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the ARF meeting. During the meeting, he conveyed warm regards from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Malaysia.

Dar praised Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN Chair for 2025, stating appreciation for the practical steps taken to boost trade and investment between the two countries following PM Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Pakistan last October.

The Malaysian Prime Minister reciprocated the goodwill and expressed anticipation for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s planned visit to Malaysia in October this year.

DPM Dar thanked Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the warm hospitality and well-organized arrangements at the ASEAN forum.

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