ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India will hold another conversation on May 18, Sunday, to discuss possibilities for peace. This follows their third round of talks over the hotline on Thursday.
Speaking to a private TV channel, Dar stated that formal dialogue at a neutral location would commence once both armies return to their normal positions. He reiterated that India initiated the conflict, and Pakistan responded effectively by shooting down the attacking aircraft.
“We showed restraint until India targeted the Nur Khan Airbase and other installations on May 9,” Dar said. He also mentioned that the US confirmed none of Pakistan’s F-16 jets were shot down.
As Foreign Minister, Dar revealed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Pakistan on May 10, conveying India’s willingness to agree to a ceasefire. The Saudi Foreign Minister also reached out to Pakistan during this period.
On Thursday, the DGMOs of both countries, Pakistan’s Maj Gen Kashif Abdullah and India’s Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, held their third discussion via hotline. Sources indicated that they agreed to maintain the status quo and advance the peace process following the ceasefire.
Earlier, after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between the two nations, the DGMOs held their first discussion on May 12 to outline steps for de-escalation. Further detailed talks on implementing the ceasefire agreement brokered with US mediation, are expected in the coming days.
Today, Pakistan and Azad Kashmir observed Youm-e-Tashakur to honour the success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, the military response to Indian aggression. Flag-hoisting ceremonies, patriotic rallies, and tributes to the armed forces were held nationwide.
Schools held special prayers for martyrs, while ministers highlighted the armed forces’ professionalism and national unity. In Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bhimber, government officials, students, and citizens gathered to chant “Pakistan Zindabad” and praise the military’s bravery.
