ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan faltered almost immediately on Saturday, following a series of deadly clashes that escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The agreement had raised hopes for de-escalation after weeks marked by missile and drone strikes, a situation intensified by a recent attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir that India attributes to Pakistan.
During a briefing in New Delhi, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri expressed concern over violations of the ceasefire agreement, accusing Pakistan of failing to uphold the terms established in discussions that involved American mediation. “We urge Pakistan to take necessary actions in a responsible manner to address these breaches,” he stated. Misri emphasized that Indian forces were reacting to what he termed “infringements” at the border.
Conversely, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry countered, placing the blame on India for initiating hostilities. The ministry reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to the ceasefire and called for calm and open lines of communication to sort out any misunderstandings. “Issues regarding the effective implementation of the ceasefire should be resolved through appropriate discussions,” the ministry declared.
The truce agreement was publicly acknowledged by U.S. President Donald Trump, who congratulated both countries for exercising restraint, a gesture applauded by leaders in both nations, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Sharif highlighted the need for peace in the region and expressed hope that unresolved issues, particularly regarding Kashmir, could be settled through dialogue.
Shortly after the agreement, however, explosions were reported in major cities like Srinagar and Jammu, followed by widespread power outages. Local officials were quick to voice skepticism about the ceasefire. Omar Abdullah, a prominent political leader in the region, questioned, “What just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions are being heard across Srinagar!”
The recent surge in violence follows a tragic incident in April when gunmen targeted tourists, killing 26 people, predominantly Indian Hindus. Indian military sources indicated that this prompted retaliatory attacks aimed at Pakistani air bases. Claims of missile strikes flew from both sides, with reports citing that India targeted various military installations across the border.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that he and Vice President JD Vance had been actively involved in discussions with top officials from both nations in the days leading up to the ceasefire announcement. They agreed to begin talks on a range of issues at a neutral venue, aiming to prevent further escalation.
Residents in Kashmir expressed mixed feelings, grappling with the aftermath of renewed violence. Many feared for their safety as explosions rattled nearby areas, with testimonies describing chaotic scenes and a palpable sense of dread lingering in the air. “The explosions jolted my children awake, leaving them terrified,” said Srinagar resident Mohammed Yasin.
Despite the quick unraveling of the ceasefire, there were moments of national optimism in Pakistan, as citizens celebrated the cessation of hostilities. Zubaida Bibi remarked on the implications of peace, stating, “War brings nothing but suffering. We are pleased that tranquility is returning.”
The ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan traces back to their independence from British colonial rule in 1947, marked by periodic military conflicts and confrontations. While truces have been sought in the past, the current situation underscores the fragility of peace in a region burdened by historical animosities and unresolved territorial disputes.