India accused Pakistan of violating a fragile ceasefire agreement Saturday and said it was retaliating, hours after US President Donald Trump announced that the nuclear-armed neighbours had stepped back from the brink of full-blown war.
Pakistan, however, said early Sunday that it ‘remains committed to faithful implementation’ of the ceasefire it has agreed to with India, after New Delhi accused it of violating the truce and said it was retaliating.
Accusing India of committing its own violations, the Pakistani foreign ministry said its forces are handling the situation with responsibility and restraint.’
‘We believe that any issues in the smooth implementation of the ceasefire should be addressed through communication at appropriate levels. The troops on the ground should also exercise restraint,’ the statement continued.
Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri, said there had been ‘repeated violations’ and that India's ‘armed forces are giving an adequate and appropriate response to these violations.’
Earlier, AFP staff in Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir reported hearing a series of loud explosions. A senior official in Pakistani-run Kashmir told AFP that ‘intermittent exchange of fire is ongoing’ across the de facto border in the contested region, the Line of Control (LoC).
More details were not immediately available, and it was not possible to independently verify the claims.
The claims came after Pakistan and India had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire after days of deadly jet fighter, missile, drone and artillery attacks which killed at least 60 people and saw thousands of civilians flee their homes along their border as well as in divided Kashmir.
The news had been surprisingly announced by Trump.
‘After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence,’ Trump posted.
Misri had said earlier that both sides would ‘stop all firing and military action on land, air and sea’ with effect from 5:00 pm (1130 GMT).
In a statement on X, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country ‘appreciates’ the US intervention.
‘Pakistan believes this marks a new beginning in the resolution of issues that have plagued the region and prevented its journey toward peace, prosperity and stability,’ he wrote.
