ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan’s Foreign Office has firmly rejected Indian media reports suggesting that Pakistan requested a ceasefire following recent border clashes, emphasizing that Pakistan acted solely in self-defence against Indian aggression.
In a statement addressing what it termed “false claims” linked to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Office clarified, “We categorically reject claims that Pakistan sought a ceasefire following the Indian aggression.”
Senator Dar, during interviews and public statements, had explicitly noted that “Pakistan responded decisively to Indian aggression in exercise of its right to self-defence.”
Ceasefire Agreed After Third-Party Mediation
The Foreign Office further explained that Pakistan neither initiated hostilities nor asked any third party to mediate a ceasefire. Instead, it agreed to the ceasefire proposal after outreach from friendly countries, mainly the United States and Saudi Arabia.
According to the spokesperson, the ceasefire understanding was established following diplomatic engagement on the morning of May 10, 2025. “At approximately 8:15am, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister and conveyed that India was ready to consider a ceasefire, provided Pakistan was also willing,” the statement said.
Senator Dar confirmed Pakistan’s acceptance of the proposal during this call. Shortly afterward, at around 9am, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal contacted Senator Dar to reaffirm India’s readiness and sought Pakistan’s confirmation, consistent with Secretary Rubio’s request.
Pakistan Highlights Strategic Restraint
The Foreign Office stressed that these events demonstrated Pakistan’s strategic restraint and responsible diplomacy. “Pakistan did not initiate the war nor did it request a ceasefire from anyone,” the statement concluded, underscoring that the ceasefire agreement followed third-party facilitation.
