New Delhi/Islamabad – Hopes for peace were quickly shattered on Saturday as India accused Pakistan of violating a newly agreed ceasefire just hours after both countries pledged to halt four days of the worst cross-border violence in nearly 30 years. Explosions echoed through towns and cities near the India–Pakistan border, sparking alarm and reigniting fears of further escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals.
The ceasefire, which was brokered after intense U.S. diplomatic intervention, was meant to go into effect at 5:00 p.m. IST (11:30 GMT). U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the breakthrough late Friday, posting on social media:
“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.”
But by nightfall, reports of drone strikes, artillery fire, and air-defence activity in Jammu and Kashmir once again sent civilians scrambling for shelter, with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemning Pakistan’s “violation of the understanding.”
“We call upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility,” Misri told reporters in Delhi, warning that Indian forces had been instructed to respond “strongly” to any repeat incidents.
In response, Pakistan’s foreign ministry insisted it remained committed to the truce and blamed India for renewed shelling.
“Our forces are handling the situation with responsibility and restraint,” a spokesperson said, calling for further communication between military officials to avoid future clashes.
The fragile ceasefire had been welcomed globally, with Pakistan’s airspace reopening and hotline communications between the two militaries reactivated. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that over three dozen nations helped mediate the agreement, adding:
“Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising its sovereignty.”
But the situation remains tense following a devastating four-day conflict triggered by India’s airstrikes on alleged terror infrastructure in Pakistani Kashmir and Pakistan’s heartland. The strikes came two weeks after a deadly bombing in Indian Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which killed 26 Hindu tourists.
India holds Pakistan responsible for the attack, which it claims was orchestrated by militant groups supported by Islamabad. Pakistan denies any involvement and accuses India of using terrorism allegations to justify aggressive military action.
As of Saturday evening, the combined civilian death toll stood at 66, and both sides reported targeting military installations. A senior Indian source confirmed that punitive diplomatic and trade measures — including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and visa restrictions — would remain in effect until further notice.
In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks are now scheduled at a neutral venue to address not just ceasefire mechanisms but a broader “set of unresolved bilateral issues.” He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for engaging in direct communication to avert further catastrophe.
However, the brief calm has left many disillusioned.
“What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!” posted Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Indian Kashmir, on X (formerly Twitter). “This is no ceasefire.”
India and Pakistan, both born from the 1947 partition of British India, have fought three wars, including two over Kashmir, a region claimed in full by both but ruled in parts.
With tensions still smouldering and the situation on the ground volatile, observers warn that this truce may hang by a thread unless both sides commit to diplomacy and de-escalation.