India-Pakistan Conflict: Pakistan Backs Down; Ceasefire Announced After Three Days of Escalation

The decision came following a call initiated by Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to his Indian counterpart, during which both sides agreed to halt all military activity across land, air, and sea beginning at 1:00 AM IST.

The escalation began after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which India attributed to militants operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In response, the Indian Air Force launched precision airstrikes on terror hideouts across the border. Pakistan retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Indian territory, prompting India to respond with full force.

As Pakistani forces struggled to withstand India’s retaliatory strikes, the country’s Foreign Minister announced a willingness to enter a ceasefire agreement. Soon after, India confirmed that it, too, had agreed to the ceasefire.

Speaking on the development, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said,

“Pakistan’s DGMO called the Indian DGMO at 3:35 PM today. Both sides agreed to cease all firing and military operations on land, in the air, and at sea from 1:00 AM IST. Orders have been issued to implement this agreement immediately. The two DGMOs will hold further talks on May 12 at 12 noon.”

Diplomatic experts view the ceasefire as a significant de-escalation step, though the situation remains tense. It is expected that the atmosphere along the border will begin to stabilize in the next 72 hours, provided the agreement holds.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister had expressed his readiness for a ceasefire through an ex post some time ago. While US President Donald Trump had already advised both countries to end the war.

US President Donald Trump tweeted, "After a long night of US-brokered talks, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a complete and immediate ceasefire."