Pakistan 'welcomes' UN chief's remarks

Pakistan on Sunday welcomed remarks by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres regarding the recent ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, calling it a significant step toward lasting peace in South Asia.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Islamabad expressed gratitude for the secretary-general's comments, echoing his view that the ceasefire contributes positively to fostering a stable and peaceful regional environment.

Reaffirming its long-standing position, Pakistan emphasized that a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains central to achieving enduring peace in the region.

The statement reiterated Pakistan's call for a resolution in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

"Pakistan attaches high importance to the role of the United Nations in promoting peace and regional stability," the Foreign Office said, underlining the country's commitment to "constructive and result-oriented dialogue" grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

Pakistan and India on Saturday agreed to a ceasefire brokered by the United States in a dramatic turn of events, preventing a wider conflict between the two nuclear armed neighbours.

Pakistan in the early hours of Saturday launched a barrage of missile strikes through air and surface, targeting 26 military installations across India. The country had promised retaliation after India conducted a series of missile strikes hitting deep inside Pakistan. The strikes had killed 26 civilians.

The tipping point, however, was India's missile strikes on airbases, including Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi on Friday night. The base is not only a key logistic base but is used for VVIP movements.

Soon after the Indian missile strikes, Pakistan launched a massive attack that stunned India.

At that point, world capitals, including the Indian closest allies, realised that the situation had reached a point where anything could happen. As people woke up to more missile and drone exchanges between the two countries, diplomacy was already at work.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, army chief General Syed Asim Munir and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.

In the afternoon, when people in many cities in Pakistan came out to celebrate the country's victory, President Trump broke the story about the ceasefire.

"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. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence," he said in a post on Truth Social.

Minutes after the US president's announcement, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the development on social media, while also reaffirming Pakistan's consistent pursuit of peace and regional stability. With input from APP