Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Saturday vehemently denied Indian media reports suggesting the country had requested a ceasefire following recent border hostilities. The FO asserted that Pakistan merely exercised its right to self-defense in response to Indian aggression.
In a statement issued to counter what it termed “false claims” attributed to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, the FO declared, “We categorically reject claims that Pakistan sought a ceasefire following the Indian aggression.”
The statement further clarified that Senator Dar, in his interviews and public remarks, had consistently explained that “Pakistan responded decisively to Indian aggression in exercise of its right to self-defence.”
The Foreign Office emphasized that Pakistan neither initiated the hostilities nor did it solicit any third-party mediation for a ceasefire. Instead, Pakistan agreed to the ceasefire offer only after being approached by friendly nations, specifically the United States and Saudi Arabia.
The FO confirmed that the ceasefire understanding became effective following diplomatic engagement on the morning of May 10, 2025. “At approximately 8:15 am, 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 spokesperson stated.
According to the FO, Senator Dar confirmed Pakistan’s acceptance of the proposal during the same call. Shortly thereafter, at around 9 am, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal also contacted Senator Dar to reaffirm India’s willingness and sought confirmation of Pakistan’s stance, consistent with Secretary Rubio’s earlier request.
The Foreign Office maintained that this sequence of events clearly demonstrates Pakistan’s conduct was guided by strategic restraint and responsible diplomacy. “Pakistan did not initiate the war nor did it request a ceasefire from anyone,” the FO reiterated, underscoring that the country only agreed to the ceasefire after third-party facilitation was extended.
