ISLAMABAD:
In a significant development, Pakistan and India agreed to observe a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and all other sectors after talks between the senior military officials through a hotline on Thursday.
The agreement was reached between the two countries after director generals of military operations of India and Pakistan held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact, said a statement issued by the ISPR.
“The two sides reviewed the situation along LOC and all other sectors in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere,” read the official handout.
The statement added that in the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace, the two DGMOs agreed to address each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence.
“Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the LOC and all other sectors, with effect from midnight 24/25 February 21,” the statement said.
It further noted that both sides reiterated that existing, mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be utilised to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding.
The development is seen as a thaw after years of tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. It also came just days before the second anniversary of the Balakot incident and subsequent retaliation by Pakistan that brought the two countries on the brink of war.
It is not clear if the latest move will lead to further de-escalation in tensions. Both Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa recently offered India to resolve all issues through dialogue.
