Pakistan Reiterates Commitment to Ceasefire with India, Calls for Resolution of Kashmir Dispute

Strategic Insights -

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized Pakistan's commitment to the ceasefire with India, while reiterating the country's call for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding Kashmir dispute. In an address at the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Kuala Lumpur, Dar criticized India for creating regional tensions, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. He urged the international community to facilitate a resolution of the dispute and warned that regional peace remains in jeopardy without international attention and mediation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan has proposed an impartial inquiry into an attack in Pahalgam on April 22, but India "opted for aggression" instead, launching an unprovoked strike on May 7, resulting in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
  • Pakistan defended its military response on May 7 and 10 as a calibrated and restrained exercise of its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, targeting only military assets.
  • The country has accused India of violating international law by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, which contains no provision for unilateral action.
  • Pakistan has expressed concern over the instrumentalisation of counterterrorism rhetoric to stigmatize Muslim communities and denounced rising Islamophobic policies.
  • The country has welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel and reiterated its support for Iran's sovereignty and right to self-defence.
  • Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan reacted sharply to remarks by Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, who claimed India had targeted 13 military bases of Pakistan and nine targets set out were successful.

Statistics:

  • Over 80,000 lives lost and economic losses of over $150 billion in the fight against terrorism in Pakistan.
  • Over one-fifth of humanity resides in South Asia, and another cycle of conflict would be catastrophic for the region.
  • Pakistan has lost over $150 billion to terrorism and has damaged its economy.
  • The country has suffered significant losses due to terrorism, including the loss of life and economic damage.

Sources:

  • The Express Tribune
  • The Nation
  • Dawn