ISLAMABAD, May 13 (Alliance News): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday said that the recent ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India was the outcome of joint diplomatic efforts by several countries, and not a sign of weakness on Pakistan’s part.
In an interview with Sky News, the minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for playing a key role in securing the ceasefire.
He also acknowledged the important contributions of China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Qatar in facilitating the de-escalation.
Tarar pointed out that President Trump’s second post on social media platform X reflected a clear intention to help resolve the longstanding Kashmir dispute, terming it a positive development.
Addressing a question about the Indus Waters Treaty, the minister stated that India had not yet blocked Pakistan’s water flow because it lacked the capacity to do so. “The flow of water is continuing as usual,” he confirmed.
On the Pahalgam incident, Tarar said Pakistan had condemned the attack and expressed willingness to cooperate in an open investigation. However, he criticized India for blaming Pakistan without providing any credible evidence, adding that no group had taken responsibility for the attack.
He termed the Pahalgam attack a serious intelligence failure by Indian authorities, especially given the presence of 700,000 Indian troops in occupied Kashmir. “Indian intelligence has proven to be a complete failure,” he remarked.
He noted that the ceasefire was followed by direct communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries. This, he said, was an important step towards de-escalation.
Tarar emphasized that Pakistan is engaged in the largest anti-terrorism campaign on its western borders and has suffered significant sacrifices, including the lives of civilians, soldiers, and officers. “There is no safe haven for terrorists in Pakistan,” he asserted.
He clarified that the ceasefire should not be seen as a retreat, but rather a strategic victory for Pakistan.
“Our forces struck Indian military targets and arms depots, and the damage was visible. India was in no position to sustain further escalation,” he said, adding that the entire Pakistani nation stands firmly with its armed forces.
