Pakistan & India Move Toward Military De-escalation Amid Border Tensions

ISLAMABAD : In a significant development in reducing regional hostilities, Pakistan has reached an agreement with India to withdraw its troops from forward positions across the border, in what appears to be diplomatic attempts to consolidate the ceasefire. Although the political atmosphere worsens, military leadership from both sides has been working on peaceful discussion to less the temperature along the border. Pakistan has communicated that the director general of military operations (DGMO) from both sides had discussed a phased withdrawal of additional forces and weaponry posted along the Line of Control. A senior Pakistani security official confirmed that both nations had a plan to draw down additional troops by the end of this month to return to original military positions before the conflict in February. India’s containement presented that no statement had been issued, but added that immediate steps were being taken by both sides to achieve an early reduction of troops. The Pakistani security official mentioned, “These measurements were to be completed in 10 days, but there have been some minor logistical delays.” Washington negotiated a ceasefire on May 10 after a recent spike in tensions that pushed both countries with their nuclear capabilities to the verge of war. First-time missile and drone volleys ensued, destroying each other’s military installations and bases. After Indian missile strikes on 6-7 May, in which they trusted their target was a group of jihadists along the LoC -which Islamabad denied. Pakistan downed six Indian combat aircraft and 14 Indian fighter aircraft, including French-built Rafale jets after destroying over two dozen Indian military installations. Although at a security level they revealed the progress of peaceful discussions, the source emphatically mentioned that they are not certain when political discussions will start. India reaffirmed her commitment not to initiate discussions on diplomatic platforms; however, talking about the cancellation of the bilateral dialogue due to the Pulwama events may not bear diplomatic fruits. The source communicated that Pakistan asserts talks but India demands that they will hold talks on Kashmir and terror, even engaging foreign media in conversations. The Indian defense minister mentioned that Pakistan is under probation at the moment; the named Ongoing Operation Sindoor continues; he communicated, “we have raised the bar, not closed the door,” and on this basis, the Pakistani foreign office had ample time to hold a press briefing on the same. Pakistan said the foreign office, which said the territorial integrity of Jammu remains non-negotiable; they asserted that they pushed for a diplomatic approach. But, the DG ISPR still cautioned that “Pakistan will not spare a moment to strike Indian military again if engaged again,” adding that Indian hegemony will never be a reality.