The ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, initially set to expire on May 10, has been extended until May 18. The announcement was made by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and confirmed through ongoing communications between military officials of both countries.
The extension follows the agreement reached on May 10 between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan. According to the Indian Army, both sides have been implementing confidence-building measures and are now working toward reducing the “alertness level” along the Line of Control (LoC) and other sensitive areas.
“The Indian Army continues to uphold the understanding between the DGMOs and will gradually implement de-escalation steps,” said a senior army official. Hotline communications between the two militaries were held on May 12 and May 14 to reinforce the ceasefire, although the Indian side has yet to officially confirm details of the May 14 conversation.
The decision to extend the ceasefire comes in the wake of heightened tensions after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and within Pakistan.
Pakistan responded with a series of cross-border attacks from May 8 to May 10, which were effectively countered by Indian retaliatory strikes. The ceasefire initiative marks a crucial attempt to prevent further escalation and foster stability along the border.
Reports suggest both sides have agreed to avoid any provocative actions, including even a single round of firing, and to explore options for reducing troop deployments in forward areas.
This development signals a cautious step toward restoring normalcy after weeks of cross-border conflict, with both militaries acknowledging the need for restraint and ongoing dialogue.
