Several foreign ministers of friendly countries conveyed India's messages of strong interest in de-escalation and ceasefire to Deputy Prime Ishaq Dar.

Consequently, Pakistan agreed to the ceasefire in the interest of regional peace and stability. 

It is pertinent to mention that India has been violating Pakistan's sovereignty since Wednesday last. Its actions endangered regional peace and stability. However, Pakistan was showing maximum restraint. India's drone and missile incursions added to the volatility of an already unstable security environment. 

In the intervening night of 9th and 10th of this month, India launched missile attacks on many Pakistan Air Force bases and airports.  In view of India's unabated aggression, Pakistan had to exercise its right to self-defence, as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. No country could compromise on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The purpose of Pakistan's action was to demonstrate our right, will, and capability to defend its territory and people.

Pakistan has achieved its objectives. It has successfully defended its territory and restored deterrence.

India's efforts to establish a "new normal" in bilateral relations have been successfully thwarted by Pakistan. Pakistan shall not allow India to impose its hegemony and jeopardize regional peace. 

Pakistan unequivocally condemns India's illegal actions. Under international law, the Indian actions since Wednesday last manifestly constituted acts of war.

The Indian actions were a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, international law, and established norms of governing inter-state relations.

It is most unfortunate that India's reckless conduct has brought the two nuclear-armed states closer to a major conflict. India's jingoism and war hysteria should be a source of serious concern for the world.

South Asia is home to over one-fifth of the world population. It could ill-afford the irresponsible actions like the ones being carried out by India.

It is also noteworthy that India blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam Attack, without any verifiable evidence or credible investigations. On 26th of the last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proposed a transparent and independent probe into this tragic incident through neutral investigators. However, India chose the path of belligerence and aggression.

A number of countries had called for the exercise of restraint during the last few weeks. The international organizations like the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation had also counseled the same. It is highly deplorable that India did not pay heed to these calls.

The Pakistan has been apprising its international partners of India's mal-intentions since the beginning of the crisis. The Indian actions demonstrate that Pakistan’s concerns were genuine. 

Pakistan remains committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity with full vigour.

The international community should hold India accountable for its irresponsible, unlawful and belligerent conduct.

Pakistan desires a lasting peace in the region. However, it takes two to tango. India would have to stop its aggressive actions. Pakistan will never allow India to impose its hegemony in the region. Any aggression against Pakistan will meet a matching response.