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Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar Signals Ceasefire with India May End on May 18, Tensions Loom

Kashmir Today

— 2 min read
Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar Signals Ceasefire with India May End on May 18, Tensions Loom
Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar | X/Ishaq Dar

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has raised concerns about the fragile ceasefire with India, stating it is only valid until May 18. Addressing Pakistan’s Parliament on Thursday, Dar revealed that the decision to extend the truce until May 18 was made during a hotline conversation between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations on May 14. His comments have sparked fears of renewed tensions along the India-Pakistan border.

Dar outlined the ceasefire’s timeline, noting, “The ceasefire was initially until the 10th, then extended to the 12th, then the 14th, and now it’s only until the 18th.” He expressed hope for eventual political dialogue, adding, “Ultimately, it will lead to dialogue. Right now, it’s military-to-military communications, but political talks will address all issues.” The ceasefire, first agreed upon on May 10 with U.S. mediation following heightened hostilities after the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, has been repeatedly extended amid ongoing friction.

The statement comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s warnings that the ceasefire could collapse if India does not restore the Indus Water Treaty, which India suspended following the Pahalgam attack. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the inauguration of the Honduras embassy in New Delhi on Thursday, reaffirmed India’s stance, stating, “The treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan permanently stops cross-border terrorism in a credible manner.” He emphasized that India’s recent military operation targeted terrorist infrastructure, not Pakistani military assets, and noted, “We achieved the goals we set out to do by destroying the terrorist infrastructure.”

Jaishankar also clarified India’s position during the operation, saying, “We had sent a message to Pakistan saying we are striking at terrorist infrastructure, not military, and the military has an option to stand out and not interfere.” He underscored that the cessation of firing aligned with India’s objectives, achieved through precise strikes.

As the May 18 deadline looms, the possibility of renewed conflict has created unease in the region. Local communities in Kashmir, long accustomed to the ebbs and flows of India-Pakistan tensions, remain on edge, hoping for a diplomatic resolution to avert further escalation.

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