‘Bold and decisive’: Shehbaz Sharif again thanks Trump for ‘ceasefire between Pakistan and India’

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 talks mediated by Washington, he has repeatedly said that he “helped settle” the tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.

India’s stance

However, New Delhi has consistently denied any claim of third-party involvement, maintaining that the May ceasefire was achieved through direct engagement between Indian and Pakistani officials. Citing government sources, PTI reported 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 confrontation began after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation came in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, PTI said.

After days of drone and missile exchanges across the border, both countries agreed to halt operations on May 10.

Pakistan’s stance

Islamabad, however, continues to credit Washington, and Trump personally, for playing a central role in ending the 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 referenced the Kashmir issue, drawing a comparison with Azerbaijan’s recent military victory.

The Victory Day parade in Baku marked Azerbaijan’s triumph in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and featured international participation. Contingents from Pakistan and Turkiye marched alongside Azerbaijani forces, while the event concluded with an aerial display by Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, co-developed with China, earning applause from dignitaries and spectators.

(With inputs from agencies)