The Foreign Office on Saturday strongly rejected Indian media reports suggesting that Pakistan had sought a ceasefire following recent border hostilities, asserting that the country had only exercised its right to self-defence in response to Indian aggression.
In a statement issued to address what it described as “false claims” attributed to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, the FO said, “We categorically reject claims that Pakistan sought a ceasefire following the Indian aggression.”
The statement added that Senator Dar, in his interviews and public remarks, had clearly explained that “Pakistan responded decisively to Indian aggression in exercise of its right to self-defence.”
The Foreign Office clarified that Pakistan did not initiate the hostilities nor did it request any third party to mediate a ceasefire. Rather, it said, Pakistan agreed to the ceasefire offer after being approached by friendly nations, particularly the United States and Saudi Arabia.
The FO confirmed that the ceasefire understanding came into effect following diplomatic engagement on the morning of May 10, 2025. “At approximately 8:15am, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister and conveyed that India was ready to consider a ceasefire, provided Pakistan was also willing,” the spokesperson said.
Senator Dar, according to the FO, confirmed Pakistan’s acceptance of the proposal during the same call. Shortly afterwards, at around 9am, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal also contacted Senator Dar to reaffirm India’s willingness and sought confirmation of Pakistan’s stance, consistent with Secretary Rubio’s earlier request.
The Foreign Office maintained that this sequence of events showed Pakistan’s conduct had been guided by strategic restraint and responsible diplomacy. “Pakistan did not initiate the war nor did it request a ceasefire from anyone,” the FO stated, underlining that the country had only agreed to the ceasefire after a third-party facilitation was extended.
