Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan on Friday called on India to uphold the ceasefire agreement recently reached between the two nations, warning that Pakistan would be compelled to respond if hostilities resumed.
Addressing his weekly press briefing, Khan urged India to remain committed to the terms of the ceasefire, which followed a period of intense military confrontation sparked by New Delhi’s accusations against Islamabad over the Pahalgam attack.
On the night of May 6–7, Indian air strikes targeting Pakistani territory resulted in civilian casualties, igniting a week-long exchange of missile fire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Tensions de-escalated only after intervention from the United States and other international players.
Friday also marked the national observance of Youm-i-Tashakur, held to honour Pakistan’s armed forces and civilians for their role in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, part of the broader Marka-i-Haq campaign against India.
“The recent announcement of a Pakistan-India ceasefire is a positive development. We urge India to faithfully adhere to its implementation,” Khan said, while also thanking countries that played a mediating role in brokering the truce.
He expressed appreciation for U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to engage both nations in seeking a resolution to the Kashmir dispute, reaffirming Pakistan’s long-standing support for international dialogue on the issue.
Khan rejected Indian claims that Pakistan had acted out of “desperation,” calling them baseless and provocative, and said both sides had engaged in structured military-level communication since May 10 to coordinate phased de-escalation.
In a symbolic gesture of reconciliation, Pakistan returned a BSF constable to India on Wednesday in exchange for a Pakistan Rangers sepoy, which the spokesperson described as a “gesture of goodwill.”
Despite these overtures, Khan accused India of using rhetoric and disinformation to justify its actions and to cast aspersions on Pakistan’s nuclear posture.
“India’s aggressive narrative and distorted facts do not contribute to regional peace,” he said. “Pakistan is a responsible state and remains committed to the ceasefire and taking necessary steps towards de-escalation and regional stability.”
He called on the international community to monitor India’s actions and ensure it honours its commitments.
“If India resumes hostilities, Pakistan will have no choice but to respond,” Khan warned, emphasizing Islamabad’s preference for dialogue, diplomacy, and a peaceful resolution to all outstanding disputes, including occupied Kashmir.