Pak hopeful of talks on terrorism, Kashmir with India after ceasefire deal

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has signalled Islamabad’s willingness to debate key points with India – together with Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty, and terrorism – following a high-stakes ceasefire understanding reached between the 2 nuclear-armed nations over the weekend.

Asif’s remarks got here within the aftermath of a tense four-day army standoff, marked by cross-border drone and missile strikes, which introduced India and Pakistan perilously near a full-scale battle. The ceasefire understanding, which took impact on Saturday, halted all army actions – on land, air, and sea – with either side acknowledging the necessity to de-escalate.

“These are the three main points that may be mentioned,” Asif stated, referring to Kashmir, terrorism, and the Indus Waters Treaty. “If the ceasefire helps pave the way in which in the direction of peace, it could be a welcome growth,” he added cautiously, noting it was nonetheless too early to foretell outcomes.

Tensions escalated sharply after India struck terror infrastructure throughout the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), in retaliation for the lethal terror assault in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 folks. Whereas Pakistan referred to Saturday’s association as a ceasefire, India maintained it was a restricted “understanding” to pause hostilities.

“As time passes, alternatives for peace could emerge,” Asif stated, including that he hoped India’s management would sometime put regional stability above political calculations. He reiterated that peaceable coexistence primarily based on mutual respect and equality was important for South Asia’s future. Asif additionally acknowledged assist from Pakistan’s allies, thanking nations corresponding to China, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and key Gulf companions for backing Islamabad diplomatically throughout the standoff.

Nonetheless, the delicate peace appeared to break down nearly instantly after the announcement. Inside hours, Pakistani forces resumed artillery shelling in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor, Rajouri, and RS Pura sectors, prompting India to activate air defence programs. Officers reported a number of Pakistani drones coming into Indian airspace in Rajouri and Srinagar, 4 of which had been introduced down close to an Military headquarters.

In response, authorities imposed a blackout and purple alert in elements of Srinagar amid fears of additional aerial threats. Explosions had been additionally reported in Rajasthan’s Pokhran space, the place Indian forces intercepted further unidentified objects believed to be incoming drones or missiles.