Pakistan Rejects Indian Media Claims on Ceasefire Request

Pakistan Rejects Indian Media Claims on Ceasefire Reques

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday strongly rejected Indian media reports claiming that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, had stated that Pakistan requested a ceasefire in the wake of the recent escalation of tensions with India. Terming the claims as baseless and misleading, the Foreign Office categorically denied that Islamabad had initiated any such request.

In an official statement issued late Friday, the Foreign Office spokesperson clarified that Deputy Prime Minister Dar had consistently emphasized Pakistan’s right to self-defence in all his media engagements. “We categorically reject claims that Pakistan sought a ceasefire following the Indian aggression,” the spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan responded resolutely and within its legitimate right to defend its sovereignty.

The spokesperson elaborated that while Pakistan acted in self-defence, it was friendly countries — notably the United States and Saudi Arabia — that played a key role in facilitating the eventual ceasefire. “The sequence of events clearly demonstrates that Pakistan did not initiate or ask anyone for a ceasefire but agreed to it when, around 08:15 am on 10th May 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the DPM/FM, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and informed that India is ready to ceasefire if Pakistan is willing,” the statement noted.

The Foreign Office added, Senator Dar confirmed Pakistan’s acceptance of the proposal. A short while later, at approximately 9:00 am, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal also contacted Senator Dar and conveyed a similar message from the Indian side, seeking confirmation which was duly provided. The Foreign Office reiterated that Pakistan’s agreement to the ceasefire was in response to third-party diplomatic efforts, not a request initiated by Islamabad.