Pakistan denies ceasefire plea, credits US and Saudi role

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rejected Indian media reports claiming that it sought a ceasefire during the recent four-day military standoff, insisting it responded "decisively" to Indian actions and agreed to halt hostilities only after intervention by United States and Saudi Arabia.

In a statement issued Friday, the foreign office dismissed interpretations of deputy PM and foreign minister Ishaq Dar's comments as "baseless", saying they distorted his actual position. "Pakistan did not initiate or ask anyone for a ceasefire," the statement said, asserting that it acted in self-defence after Indian strikes.

The sharp exchange, which included cross-border shelling and heightened troop alert along the LoC, marked one of the most serious escalations since the 2019 Pulwama-Balakot episode. Though both sides have withheld official details, the flare-up triggered urgent calls for restraint from key global players. India has repeatedly denied any third-party mediation in bringing about the ceasefire.

Islamabad said the ceasefire materialised only after US secretary of state Marco Rubio called Dar on May 10 and conveyed that India was ready to de-escalate if Pakistan reciprocated. A similar call from Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan followed shortly after. Dar reportedly confirmed Pakistan's willingness during both conversations.

While welcoming ceasefire, Pakistan's tone remained guarded. The foreign office said Islamabad values peace but would not compromise its right to respond to aggression. "Pakistan's decision to de-escalate followed facilitation by friendly countries," it said.