ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan on Friday called on India to strictly adhere to the ceasefire agreement between the two countries, warning that Pakistan would respond decisively if hostilities resumed.
The recent military confrontation followed India’s accusations against Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack. On the night of May 6-7, New Delhi conducted air strikes on Pakistan, causing civilian casualties and triggering a week-long exchange of missile fire between the two nations. It was only after diplomatic intervention, including efforts by the United States, that both sides agreed to cease hostilities.
Today, Pakistan observed Youm-i-Tashakur nationwide to honor the armed forces and the people for their victory in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, part of the broader Marka-i-Haq operation against India.
During his weekly press briefing, Khan described the recent ceasefire announcement as a positive step and urged India to fully implement the agreement. He also praised the role of friendly countries in facilitating the ceasefire and welcomed US President Donald Trump’s efforts to engage both Pakistan and India in resolving the Kashmir dispute.
The spokesperson emphasized that the ceasefire was achieved through the involvement of several countries and dismissed India’s portrayal of Pakistan as desperate or frustrated as baseless. He noted that military chiefs of both countries have maintained regular contact since May 10, agreeing on a “structured mechanism for phased de-escalation.”
Khan highlighted Pakistan’s goodwill gesture of returning an Indian Border Security Force constable in exchange for a Pakistan Rangers sepoy.
While Pakistan remains committed to peace and regional stability, Khan criticized India’s ongoing rhetoric, accusing it of distorting facts, justifying aggression, and casting unwarranted doubts on Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities.
He appealed to international partners to hold India accountable for its commitments and refrain from aggressive actions. “Should India resume hostilities, Pakistan will have no choice but to respond,” he warned.
The spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s preference for dialogue and peaceful resolution of all issues, including the Kashmir conflict, through negotiations.
