Ceasefire Collapse: Tensions Escalate Between Pakistan and India










2025-05-11T01:56:37Z

In a dramatic escalation that unfolded late last night, Pakistan has violated the ceasefire agreement with India, just hours after both nations reached an accord to pause hostilities. This alarming development came on the heels of several days marked by unprovoked aggression from Pakistani forces. Reports from Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla region indicated that explosions were heard along the Line of Control (LoC), coinciding with drone sightings shortly after the truce was officially established.
The fragile ceasefire, which many hoped would lead to a more lasting peace, collapsed almost immediately. Artillery shelling from Pakistani military positions was reported in the Akhnoor, Rajouri, and RS Pura sectors, all near the International Border. Officials disclosed that Indian air defense systems were quickly activated in response to multiple drone sightings in the Rajouri sector and Srinagar, where at least four drones were successfully intercepted and downed close to an Army headquarters.
Amid escalating fears of further drone attacks, authorities imposed a blackout and declared a red alert in several areas of Srinagar, while explosions echoed in Rajasthan's Pokhran region, where Indian forces remained vigilant and intercepted additional aerial threats. The Border Security Force (BSF) was ordered to retaliate with full force against these continual provocations, as India maintained a high state of operational readiness and alertness.
In the wake of these developments, government sources reiterated that this latest breach of the ceasefire agreement once again highlighted Islamabad's duplicity, especially after days of civilian and military targets being struck by Pakistani drones and long-range weaponry.
During a press briefing on Saturday, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the details of the ceasefire negotiation, revealing that it was initiated when Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) reached out to India. Misri stated, “The Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called the Director General of Military Operations of India at 3:35 pm earlier this afternoon.” He also announced plans for another round of talks scheduled for noon on May 12.
US President Donald Trump later commented on the situation, revealing that he, alongside Vice President JD Vance, had extensive discussions with leaders from both New Delhi and Islamabad, which ultimately led to their agreement to halt military actions. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described this agreement as a product of a “beautiful partnership,” following intense US mediation efforts spearheaded by Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Conversely, India clarified that it was Pakistan’s DGMO who initiated the call, setting the stage for subsequent discussions.
In a show of gratitude, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly thanked various global leaders and nations for their roles in facilitating the recently established ceasefire agreement and for helping ease tensions in the region. Sharif expressed appreciation for the support from President Trump, as well as leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Iran, and others for their contributions to de-escalation efforts. He particularly emphasized the importance of China, stating, “I thank the respected President and the people of China for standing by Pakistan for the past 58 years. China is our most reliable friend.” The Prime Minister also urged the international community to engage in dialogue regarding unresolved issues, such as the Indus Waters Treaty, underlining the need for urgent and fair resolutions.
While addressing the nation, Prime Minister Sharif characterized the ceasefire agreement with India as a “victory” for Pakistan, claiming that India had used the recent Pahalgam incident as a pretext to wage an “unjustified war” on Pakistan. He accused India of targeting civilians and destroying places of worship, painting a picture of injustice against his country.
However, the situation took a swift turn as Pakistan violated the ceasefire within hours of its announcement. Drones were spotted over several locales, including parts of Kashmir, Jammu, and the Punjab region's front lines. Reports of explosions prompted blackouts to be enforced as a precautionary measure. Notably, four explosions were recorded in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district following Pakistan's shelling operations near the LoC and International Border.
China was among the first nations to respond to the de-escalation agreement between India and Pakistan, but its response was marked by a delicate diplomatic balancing act, extending equal support to both sides. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s commitment to Pakistan during a phone call with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar, emphasizing support for Pakistan's “sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence.” He described Pakistan as an “iron-clad friend.”
Despite the ceasefire being announced, Islamabad issued a statement declaring its commitment to uphold the truce while simultaneously accusing India of violating the agreement in specific areas. “Pakistan remains committed to the faithful implementation of the ceasefire announced earlier today,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated. It urged for restraint and communication at appropriate levels to ensure the smooth implementation of the ceasefire.
In response to Pakistan's violation of the ceasefire, Foreign Secretary Misri stated that Indian armed forces were actively retaliating. He asserted that an understanding was reached between the DGMOs to halt ongoing military actions but that this understanding had been violated by Pakistan. “The Indian Army is retaliating and dealing with this border intrusion. This intrusion is condemnable, and Pakistan is responsible for it,” he said, calling for immediate corrective actions from Pakistan.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi amid the escalating tensions. Doval noted the significant casualties resulting from the Pahalgam terrorist attack and emphasized the necessity for India to undertake counter-terrorism measures, clarifying that war was not a choice for India. The Chinese Minister expressed hope that both nations would exercise restraint, resolve their differences through dialogue, and prevent further escalation.
Despite the grave situation sparked by the ceasefire violation, reports from the ground indicated that the border states remained largely peaceful throughout the night, with no significant incidents of cross-border firing or hostile engagements observed along the International Border or Line of Control. However, a heightened state of alert persists across the state and border districts, with a red alert still issued in Amritsar to ensure public safety. Security forces are maintaining strong border patrols, and no suspicious movements or hostile activities have been reported overnight. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with ongoing reviews conducted by state and district officials along with the Home Ministry. The overall conditions in various regions, including coastal areas and airspace, remained normal, although a Notice to Mariners (NOMAR) is currently active due to ongoing naval operations within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
George Bennett
Source of the news: India Today