Islamabad, June 21, 2025: Pakistan has categorically rejected Indian media claims suggesting that it requested a ceasefire following the recent military confrontation with India. The Foreign Office clarified that Islamabad did not initiate the ceasefire process but agreed to it after it was proposed by the United States.
The clarification came after Indian outlets quoted Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar as allegedly admitting that Pakistan had sought a truce. In a strongly worded statement issued late Friday, the Foreign Office said such reports misrepresent facts and distort Pakistan’s position.
“We categorically reject claims that Pakistan sought a ceasefire following Indian aggression,” the spokesperson said. “Senator Ishaq Dar, in his interviews and statements, clearly stated that Pakistan exercised its right to self-defence in response to India’s unprovoked missile strikes.”
The recent conflict, which erupted last month after Indian missile attacks on Pakistani targets, triggered fears of a full-scale war between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyan um Marsoos (Iron Wall), during which the Pakistan Air Force shot down at least six Indian fighter jets, including French-made Rafale aircraft, in what it described as a firm defense of national sovereignty.
The 87-hour conflict resulted in casualties and destruction on both sides before ending in a ceasefire reportedly brokered by the United States. However, India has repeatedly claimed that Pakistan initiated the truce request — a narrative Islamabad firmly disputes.
According to the Foreign Office, the ceasefire proposal was first communicated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who called Foreign Minister Dar at 8:15 a.m. on May 10, 2025, informing him that India was prepared to halt hostilities if Pakistan was willing to reciprocate. Pakistan subsequently agreed to the proposal.
“Later, at around 9:00 a.m., Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal also contacted Foreign Minister Dar with the same message and sought confirmation, which was duly provided,” the spokesperson added.
The Foreign Office acknowledged and appreciated the diplomatic efforts made by friendly countries — particularly the United States and Saudi Arabia — in facilitating the ceasefire. Pakistan has also repeatedly praised President Donald Trump’s role in de-escalating tensions, with both the U.S. president and State Department publicly acknowledging their involvement.
“President Trump’s consistent offer to mediate the Kashmir dispute and his direct involvement in the ceasefire talks stand in sharp contrast to India’s continued denial of any third-party facilitation,” the statement concluded.
The ceasefire marked the end of one of the most dangerous standoffs between the two South Asian nations in recent years, reviving calls for sustained dialogue on long-standing issues, particularly the Kashmir conflict.
