MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of India, stressing the importance of this step in de-escalating tensions and enhancing regional security and stability.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Saturday, the Sultanate of Oman expressed its hope that the ceasefire agreement would mark the beginning of a constructive dialogue between the two sides leading to a settlement of differences through peaceful means, serving the interests of both peoples; and supporting peace and sustainable development efforts.
The Sultanate of Oman commended the positive role of Donald Trump, President of the United States of America, in reaching the agreement. Pakistan and India agreed on Saturday to a full and immediate ceasefire after days of deadly jet fighter, missile, drone and artillery attacks — news surprisingly announced by Trump, who congratulated them on using "common sense".
Officials from Islamabad and New Delhi confirmed the development minutes after Trump posted the announcement on his Truth Social network, as the conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours appeared to be spiralling towards a full-blown war.
"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," Trump posted.
Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri said both sides would "stop all firing and military action on land, air and sea" with effect from 5:00 pm (11:30 GMT).
In a statement on X, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said: "Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect." "Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity," he added.
The ceasefire comes after four days of attacks and counter-attacks by both sides that killed at least 60 people and saw thousands of civilians flee their homes along their border as well as in divided Kashmir.
The fighting was touched off by an attack last month in the Indian-administered side of Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, mostly Hindu men, which Delhi blamed on Islamabad.
POSITIVE STEP
"The ceasefire is a positive step," said Bilal Shabbir, an IT consultant in Muzaffarabad, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
"In war, it's not just soldiers who die, it's mostly civilians — and in this case, it would have been the people of Kashmir." In Srinagar, resident Sukesh Khajuria was more cautious. "The ceasefire is welcome, but it's difficult to trust Pakistan. We have to be vigilant," he said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ceasefire came after he and Vice-President JD Vance engaged with senior officials on both sides.
"I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site," he said on X.
Vance posted on the same platform: "My gratitude to the leaders of India and Pakistan for their hard work and willingness to engage in this ceasefire." News of the ceasefire was welcomed in Britain, the Indian subcontinent's former colonial master and home to a huge diaspora from both countries.
"Today's ceasefire between India and Pakistan is hugely welcome," Foreign Secretary David Lammy wrote on X.
"I urge both parties to sustain this. De-escalation is in everybody's interest." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a "positive step" that should lead to peace, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei called on both countries "to use this opportunity to ensure a reduction in tensions and lasting peace in the region". — Agencies
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
