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Saturday, Mar 14, 2026
Outside the box.
India and Pakistan ceasefire: Explosions rock Kashmir hours after uneasy truce begins
India and Pakistan have agreed to a halt in fighting after back-and-forth strikes deepened fears of a wider conflict. Explosions rocked both India- and Pakistan-administered Kashmir within hours of the ceasefire taking effect, and India accused Pakistan of violating the deal, though Islamabad denied that claim.
India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday, aimed at halting weeks of escalating military tensions and back-and-forth strikes between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The ceasefire agreement was confirmed by both countries' officials, with India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stating that the halt in fighting took effect at 5 p.m. local time (7:30 a.m. ET).
The agreement follows a stormy period marked by recent violence, including aerial and artillery strikes across the Line of Control, which demarcates the boundary in the disputed Kashmir region.
Reports of explosions were noted in both Indian and Pakistani-administered territories within hours of the truce announcement, raising concerns over potential violations of the ceasefire.
Misri accused Pakistan of breaching the agreement, while Pakistani officials denied such claims, asserting that the country had adhered to the terms of the ceasefire.
The ceasefire was reportedly initiated during a night of negotiations, with U.S. President Donald Trump asserting the U.S. role in facilitating the truce.
Trump announced the ceasefire via social media, stating it came after discussions between U.S. officials and leaders from both India and Pakistan.
However, the Indian government has downplayed U.S. involvement, emphasizing that the ceasefire was achieved through direct negotiations with Pakistan.
The backdrop of increasing hostility stemmed from a massacre of tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month, an incident for which India blamed Pakistani operatives.
In response, India launched a military operation, targeting various locations, escalating the conflict markedly.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to television to commend his military forces for their efforts and expressed gratitude for the international support in achieving the ceasefire.
He mentioned the contributions of allies, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and others, while insisting that Pakistani actions had remained within international protocols.
In contrast, Misri conveyed that India’s military would respond firmly to any future violations of the ceasefire.
He noted that the directors general of military operations from both countries would engage in ongoing discussions in an attempt to ensure compliance with the ceasefire terms.
Initial reports indicated that, despite the ceasefire, explosions were heard across various areas including Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir, creating a complex situation for both governments, eager to establish peace but wary of ongoing skirmishes.
The history of conflict between India and Pakistan is deeply rooted in territorial disputes over Kashmir, dating back to the partition of British India in 1947.
Since then, the two countries have engaged in multiple wars and numerous military confrontations, particularly over Kashmir, which both sides claim in full.
As the situation continues to evolve, both nations are calling on the international community to play a constructive role in preventing further conflict and ensuring long-term stability in the region.
Pakistan, in particular, expressed its readiness to engage in constructive diplomacy to address issues, including the Kashmir dispute.
The ceasefire agreement was confirmed by both countries' officials, with India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stating that the halt in fighting took effect at 5 p.m. local time (7:30 a.m. ET).
The agreement follows a stormy period marked by recent violence, including aerial and artillery strikes across the Line of Control, which demarcates the boundary in the disputed Kashmir region.
Reports of explosions were noted in both Indian and Pakistani-administered territories within hours of the truce announcement, raising concerns over potential violations of the ceasefire.
Misri accused Pakistan of breaching the agreement, while Pakistani officials denied such claims, asserting that the country had adhered to the terms of the ceasefire.
The ceasefire was reportedly initiated during a night of negotiations, with U.S. President Donald Trump asserting the U.S. role in facilitating the truce.
Trump announced the ceasefire via social media, stating it came after discussions between U.S. officials and leaders from both India and Pakistan.
However, the Indian government has downplayed U.S. involvement, emphasizing that the ceasefire was achieved through direct negotiations with Pakistan.
The backdrop of increasing hostility stemmed from a massacre of tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month, an incident for which India blamed Pakistani operatives.
In response, India launched a military operation, targeting various locations, escalating the conflict markedly.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to television to commend his military forces for their efforts and expressed gratitude for the international support in achieving the ceasefire.
He mentioned the contributions of allies, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and others, while insisting that Pakistani actions had remained within international protocols.
In contrast, Misri conveyed that India’s military would respond firmly to any future violations of the ceasefire.
He noted that the directors general of military operations from both countries would engage in ongoing discussions in an attempt to ensure compliance with the ceasefire terms.
Initial reports indicated that, despite the ceasefire, explosions were heard across various areas including Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir, creating a complex situation for both governments, eager to establish peace but wary of ongoing skirmishes.
The history of conflict between India and Pakistan is deeply rooted in territorial disputes over Kashmir, dating back to the partition of British India in 1947.
Since then, the two countries have engaged in multiple wars and numerous military confrontations, particularly over Kashmir, which both sides claim in full.
As the situation continues to evolve, both nations are calling on the international community to play a constructive role in preventing further conflict and ensuring long-term stability in the region.
Pakistan, in particular, expressed its readiness to engage in constructive diplomacy to address issues, including the Kashmir dispute.
