Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD:
Days after a US-brokered ceasefire brought a halt to the deadliest Pakistan-India escalation in decades, the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries held their first round of talks on Monday, signaling cautious steps toward de-escalation.
According to senior security sources, Pakistan’s DGMO Maj Gen Kashif Abdullah and India’s DGMO Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai held a telephonic conversation over the established hotline communication channel, marking the beginning of formal military-level dialogue under the new ceasefire arrangement.
While conflicting reports initially emerged from Indian media about a delay, Pakistani officials confirmed that the first round of talks had taken place and that further discussions were expected to flesh out the modalities of the ceasefire, brokered with direct intervention from US President Donald Trump.
US Voices Support for Direct Talks
In a related development, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s support for direct dialogue between Islamabad and New Delhi as the only sustainable path to peace.
During a phone call with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Rubio emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and keeping all communication channels open between the two nuclear-armed rivals. He conveyed a similar message in separate talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, while also reiterating US policy on the Ukraine conflict.
Ceasefire Follows Intense Fighting
On Saturday, Pakistan and India agreed to a ceasefire after four days of intense cross-border military exchanges, described by observers as the worst flare-up in nearly 30 years. The conflict resulted in 51 Pakistani deaths, including 40 civilians and 11 security personnel.
The Pakistani Foreign Office welcomed the ceasefire, calling for restraint and resolution of any violations through appropriate communication channels. “Our forces are handling the situation responsibly and with restraint,” the statement said.
ISPR Outlines Pakistan’s Military Response
In a detailed media briefing on Sunday, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry provided an overview of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, Pakistan’s retaliatory campaign launched in response to India’s strikes.
He confirmed that 26 Indian military installations were hit in retaliatory precision strikes, while 84 Indian drones were downed, and two S-400 air defense systems were neutralized.
“Our response was retributive and decisive,” the ISPR chief declared. “The Pakistan Armed Forces have delivered on the promises made to the nation.”
He credited the prime minister and cabinet for a “destiny-changing decision” that paved the way for a strong response and praised the people of Pakistan for their unwavering support, calling it a “force multiplier” for the armed forces.
The ISPR DG also commended the Pakistani media for its mature, patriotic coverage during the escalation, drawing a sharp contrast with the “jingoistic and war-mongering narrative” of Indian media outlets.
The first DGMO-level contact and renewed diplomatic backing from the United States are now being viewed as early indicators of a possible thaw—but analysts caution that real progress will depend on continued restraint and sincere dialogue from both sides.
