2025-05-10T16:35:30Z

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In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, India and Pakistan have reached an internationally mediated ceasefire agreement, much to the delight of residents in the conflict-ridden region of Kashmir. This agreement comes after a series of military escalations, including deadly cross-border attacks that heightened fears of a potential war between the two nuclear-armed nations, marking the fifth major conflict between them since their partition in 1947.

The agreement for an immediate ceasefire was finalized after military officials from both countries communicated and set a deadline to halt all military operations by 17:00 Indian time (11:30 GMT) on Saturday. However, reports of violations began surfacing shortly after the announcement, with explosions echoing across parts of Indian-administered Kashmir, raising alarms about the stability of the agreement.

India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, addressed the media, stating, "For the last few hours, there have been repeated violations of the understanding arrived at earlier this evening between the director generals of military operations of India and Pakistan." He emphasized that these violations are a breach of the newly established ceasefire and urged Pakistan to take action to prevent further escalations. Misri also confirmed that India's military was under orders to respond robustly to any future violations.

While the initial announcement of the ceasefire brought a wave of relief and celebration among residents in both India and Pakistan, the joy was short-lived. Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed his disbelief on social media, stating, "What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar." This sentiment was echoed by journalists on the ground, who reported ongoing exchanges of fire and confusion caused by power outages and air sirens.

Reporting from Lahore, Al Jazeera’s Osama Bin Javaid indicated that although there was a general welcome for the ceasefire among the populace, the situation remained precarious. He noted continued exchanges of fire along the Line of Control and concerns about projectiles crossing into Pakistani airspace. Another journalist in Srinagar, Umar Mehraj, described a chaotic scene with loud explosions and a palpable sense of fear among the residents, many of whom reported feeling unprepared for such violence.

International mediation played a crucial role in brokering the ceasefire, though conflicting accounts have emerged regarding which countries were instrumental in facilitating the talks. US President Donald Trump claimed that the United States was the primary mediator, announcing the ceasefire on his social media platform. He expressed satisfaction at the agreement and congratulated both nations for their decision to prioritize peace. However, questions arose about the extent of US leverage over both countries and the nature of multilateral involvement, as reports indicated that up to three dozen countries participated in the diplomatic efforts.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, clarified that the ceasefire was comprehensive and not partial, while also highlighting the involvement of multiple nations in the negotiations. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that the agreement included plans for broader discussions at a neutral location, a claim that contradicted statements from India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which asserted there were no such plans for talks at this time.

As the dust settles from the announcement of the ceasefire, both nations have also signaled a willingness to engage in more extensive discussions on various contentious issues, despite a backdrop of ongoing tensions. Sources disclosed that India’s recent actions against Pakistan, including restrictions on trade and visas established after April 22, would remain in effect. A critical issue at stake is the Indus Waters Treaty, which regulates water sharing between the two countries and is vital for agriculture and livelihoods.

With conflict over water resources looming, experts stress the urgency of addressing fundamental political issues to avoid further militarized crises. Elizabeth Threlkeld, a director at the Stimson Center, emphasized the significance of timely negotiations, especially given the seasonal water flow conditions impacting both nations.

Reacting to the ceasefire, residents from both sides of the Line of Control expressed their relief and hope for a lasting resolution to the Kashmir conflict. Rumaisa Jan, a 25-year-old resident from Srinagar, shared her anxiety over the violence and expressed hope for peace. Firdous Ahmad Sheikh, who operates a travel agency, voiced frustration over the recurring conflicts and called for a political solution to the Kashmir issue. In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Zulfikar Ali remarked, “For us, peace means survival,” underscoring the desperate need for stability in a region that has suffered immensely due to ongoing hostilities.