Ceasefire in South Asia: Pakistan Offers Peace Talks as Tensions Ease After Deadly Clashes

By Staff, Agencies

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended an olive branch to India, expressing his government’s readiness for peace talks following a severe military flare-up between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

His remarks came after a temporary ceasefire was extended until Sunday, following four days of the worst cross-border fighting in decades.

The Pakistani and Indian military leaders spoke by phone to formalize the ceasefire extension, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. India confirmed that both sides had agreed to take measures to reduce tensions.

Speaking to air force personnel in Kamra, Sharif said, “Let us now talk about peace. If terrorism must end in the region, we must sit together and determine who is a terrorist and who is a victim.” Pakistan’s foreign ministry urged international actors to ensure India upholds the ceasefire, while warning that Pakistan would respond if hostilities resume.

The latest conflict was triggered by an Indian missile strike on 7 May, targeting what it called militant hideouts in Pakistan. The move was in retaliation for an April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists. India blamed Pakistani-backed militants, while Islamabad denied involvement and called for an independent inquiry.

What followed was an alarming escalation, including artillery duels in Kashmir, aerial strikes on military sites, and even drone attacks. Both nations claimed major victories. India reported the elimination of nearly 100 militants and the deaths of 35–40 Pakistani soldiers. Pakistan claimed it lost 11 soldiers and 40 civilians while killing 40–50 Indian troops.

Aerial combat also reportedly unfolded at an unprecedented scale, involving more than 125 fighter jets—the largest dogfight since World War II. Both countries said they shot down enemy aircraft.

Further inflaming tensions, India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh suggested the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] should oversee Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, labeling Islamabad as an “irresponsible and rogue” state. Pakistan sharply rejected the remarks, calling them a reflection of India’s insecurity and a denial of Pakistan’s effective deterrence.

The UN nuclear watchdog confirmed no radioactive leaks from Pakistani facilities, countering unverified rumors that India had targeted nuclear sites in the Kirana Hills.

India and Pakistan both acquired nuclear weapons in 1998, and their long-standing rivalry has made South Asia one of the world’s most volatile nuclear flashpoints.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, during a visit to Qatar, claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire, urging both nations to prioritize trade over conflict. He announced the truce before either side did, attributing it to successful US diplomacy. While Pakistan acknowledged Washington’s role, India downplayed it, stating the ceasefire was directly negotiated with Islamabad and that trade was not discussed with the US.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi later reaffirmed that India would not hesitate to strike again if attacked, and rejected what he called Pakistan’s “nuclear blackmail.” Pakistan, in response, reiterated its commitment to the truce but promised a resolute response to any future aggression.