The recently announced ceasefire between India and Pakistan came under serious doubt within hours of its declaration. Despite hopes that the agreement would bring an end to the intense hostilities witnessed over the past week, fresh reports of cross-border shelling and heavy explosions in Kashmir raised concerns over its viability.
On Saturday afternoon, Trump announced through a post on his Truth Social platform that both countries had agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire.” He praised the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing satisfaction over what he described as “common sense and great intelligence” used in arriving at the decision. Soon after, the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the ceasefire, stating that the order would take effect immediately.
The Indian government also confirmed the agreement, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stating that military heads of both nations had spoken and agreed to halt all forms of military engagement — on land, in the air, and at sea. Misri added that further discussions were scheduled for 12 May between senior military officials to review the progress of the ceasefire and maintain open communication.
However, the understanding quickly fell apart on the same night it was announced. Explosions were reported in Srinagar, the largest city in Kashmir. According to Indian sources, these explosions were caused by artillery shells fired from across the Line of Control (LoC). Shelling was also reported in other border regions, including Poonch and Uri, which had already been affected heavily by recent clashes. The Indian government accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire by resuming attacks, prompting Indian forces to respond accordingly.
India’s armed forces were instructed to act firmly against any violation. Misri stated that India’s military was on alert and had received clear directions to defend its positions and civilians in the event of continued aggression. Indian officials stressed that while they remained committed to peace, any breach of trust would be met with the necessary force. Reports from Indian military sources indicated that the attacks from Pakistan began hours after the ceasefire was meant to take effect.
In response, Pakistan denied any wrongdoing and blamed India for initiating the violations. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry issued a statement early Sunday morning claiming that it remained committed to the ceasefire and that its forces were acting with “restraint and responsibility.” It also called for proper communication channels to manage misunderstandings and prevent further escalation. However, the Indian side maintained that the Pakistani army had resumed unprovoked shelling in civilian areas and that any retaliation by Indian forces was in self-defence.
The breach of the ceasefire dampened the initial sense of relief and celebration in Kashmir and other affected areas. Civilians who had just begun returning to their homes or leaving shelters found themselves fleeing once more. Families who had hoped the truce would mark the beginning of peace were instead met with renewed fear. In towns like Uri and Poonch, where violence had already left homes destroyed and lives lost, the return to shelling brought back trauma that many hoped had ended.
The recent fighting between India and Pakistan was among the most severe in years, triggered by an attack on Hindu tourists in Kashmir late last month. India blamed Pakistan-backed militants for the assault, which killed over two dozen people. This led to a series of missile and drone strikes exchanged between the two countries, with both sides accusing each other of targeting civilian and military infrastructure. The ceasefire was meant to pause this dangerous escalation, but Pakistan’s actions on Saturday night cast doubt on its willingness to uphold the agreement.
