ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Saturday firmly rejected Indian media reports claiming that Pakistan had asked for a ceasefire after recent border clashes. It stated that Pakistan only exercised its right to self-defence in response to Indian aggression.
In a statement, the FO called these claims “false” and wrongly attributed to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar. “We categorically reject claims that Pakistan sought a ceasefire following the Indian aggression,” it said.
The FO noted that Senator Dar, in interviews and public remarks, had clearly stated that Pakistan responded with force only to defend itself.
The Foreign Office clarified that Pakistan did not start the hostilities. It also did not request any third party to mediate. Instead, friendly countries — especially the United States and Saudi Arabia — approached Pakistan with a ceasefire proposal.
The FO confirmed that the ceasefire took effect after diplomatic contact on the morning of May 10, 2025. At around 8:15am, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Senator Dar. He said India was ready to consider a ceasefire if Pakistan agreed.
Senator Dar accepted the proposal during the call. Around 9am, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal also called him. He confirmed India’s willingness and asked for Pakistan’s stance, in line with the earlier US request.
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The Foreign Office said this timeline proves Pakistan acted with restraint and responsibility. “Pakistan did not start the war or seek a ceasefire,” it said. “We only agreed to it when third parties offered facilitation.”
