Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif once again praised US President Donald Trump for what he described as a crucial role in facilitating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after the four-day conflict between them earlier this year. “It is President Trump’s bold and decisive leadership that led to a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, restored peace in South Asia, averted a major war, and saved millions of lives,” Sharif said while addressing Azerbaijan’s Victory Day parade in Baku on Saturday, according to the Press Trust of India. (PTI).
Sharif said Pakistan appreciated the US efforts in maintaining regional stability, claiming that Trump’s intervention had helped prevent a possible escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Since May 10, when Trump announced on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire” after a “long night” of Washington-brokered talks, he has repeatedly said he had “helped resolve” tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.
India’s position
However, New Delhi has consistently denied any allegation of third-party involvement, asserting that the May ceasefire was achieved through direct communication between Indian and Pakistani officials. Quoted from government sources PTI It stated that India and Pakistan reached an understanding on their own to end the conflict after four days of cross-border strikes, without external mediation.
The standoff began after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was in response to the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam on April 22, which led to the death of 26 civilians. PTI He said.
After days of cross-border exchange of drones and missiles, the two countries agreed to cease operations on May 10.
Pakistan’s position
However, Islamabad continues to credit Washington, and Trump personally, for playing a central role in ending hostilities. The Pakistani government has repeatedly praised the US President’s “constructive diplomacy,” claiming that he helped facilitate communication between the two sides.
In his remarks in Baku, Sharif stressed that Pakistan seeks peace but will not allow anyone to challenge its sovereignty or undermine its territorial integrity. He also referred to the Kashmir issue, and compared it to the recent military victory achieved by Azerbaijan.
The Victory Day parade in Baku marked Azerbaijan’s victory in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and witnessed international participation. Units from Pakistan and Turkey marched alongside Azerbaijani forces, while the event concluded with an air display of Pakistani JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, jointly developed with China, drawing applause from dignitaries and spectators.
(With inputs from agencies)
(Tags for translation) India Pakistan
