Pakistan, India agree to deal for immediate ceasefire following weeks of deadly clashes
Tensions soared after last month's attack at tourist site in India-controlled Kashmir
India and Pakistan on Saturday agreed to a ceasefire deal following U.S.-led talks to end the most serious military confrontation in decades between the nuclear-armed rivals.
The deal was expected to bring a swift end to weeks of escalating clashes, including missile and drone strikes, triggered by the killing of tourists by gunmen last month that India blames on Pakistan, which denies the charge. Dozens of civilians have been killed on both sides since then.
Despite news of the agreement to halt fighting, multiple explosions were heard in two large cities of India-controlled Kashmir hours later. The explosions were reported by residents in Srinagar and Jammu, followed by blackouts in the two cities.
There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Omar Abdullah, the region's top elected official, said in a post on social media: "What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!"
The first word on the deal came from U.S. President Donald Trump, who posted on his Truth Social platform that he was pleased to announce India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire.
"Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence."
In a recently released G7 statement, the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U.S., Britain and the European Union said they "strongly condemned" the April 22 Islamist militant attack in Kashmir.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Saudi Arabia and Turkey played an important role in facilitating the ceasefire deal, which came into effect at 4:30 p.m. local time.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the heads of military operations from India and Pakistan spoke Saturday afternoon.
"It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, and in the air and sea. Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding."
The top military leaders would speak again on Monday, Misri added.
Ceasefire deal brings promise, joy to residents
Conflict between India and Pakistan is not rare. The two countries have periodically engaged in wars, clashes and skirmishes since gaining independence from British India in 1947.
The announced ceasefire in the latest hostilities came after the countries fired volleys of cross-border missile strikes Saturday, when India said it targeted Pakistani airbases after Islamabad fired several high-speed missiles at military and civilian infrastructure in Punjab state. Pakistan said it responded with retaliatory strikes.
Before the explosions were heard in Kashmir, people in many cities in Pakistan reacted with optimism to the ceasefire agreement.
"This is a big day for Pakistan," said Mohammad Fateh, a young man in the city of Lahore. "Our forces responded with strength, and India had no choice but to agree to a ceasefire."
In Islamabad, Zubaida Bibi, 45, expressed joy at the restoration of peace with India, saying, "War brings nothing but suffering. We are happy that calm is returning. It feels like Eid to me."
In the northwest of Pakistan, in the city of Peshawar and tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, some people fired guns in the air to celebrate the ceasefire.
In Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, residents said they hope it brings long-awaited relief to a region that has borne the brunt of recurring conflict.
"For us, peace means survival," said Zulfikar Ali, a resident. "We've suffered enough. I'm glad that both Pakistan and India have made a sensible decision."
Pakistan fully reopens airspace
Pakistan has fully reopened its airspace for all types of flights, the country's airports authority said Saturday.
In a statement, it said: "All airports across the country are now available for regular flight operations."
Earlier Saturday, India said it targeted Pakistani airbases after Islamabad fired several high-speed missiles at military and civilian infrastructure in India's Punjab state. Pakistan said it intercepted most missiles and responded with retaliatory strikes on India.
Before the ceasefire was announced, Dar said Saturday his country would consider de-escalation if India stopped further attacks.
Dar told Pakistan's Geo News that he also conveyed this message to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who contacted him after Rubio spoke to New Delhi earlier.
"We responded because our patience had reached its limit. If they stop here, we will also consider stopping," Dar added.
Rubio spoke to his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and emphasized "both sides need to identify methods to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, and offered U.S. support to facilitate "productive discussion."
With files from Reuters