India-Pakistan Tensions: Factual Sequence Of Ceasefire

Tensions between India and Pakistan have remained high since a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which left 26 civilians dead. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Thereafter, Pakistan launched a series of drone attacks targeting military sites at 26 locations across Indian border cities over three days. These included forward bases, airfields, and civil aviation infrastructure. India intercepted and neutralised the attacks.

India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire in military action from 5 pm on Saturday, May 10. The Director General of Military Operations for Pakistan called his Indian counterpart at 15:35 hours on Saturday. They agreed that both sides would stop all firing on the ground, in the air, and by the sea from 17:00 hours.

Here is the factual sequence of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, starting with Operation Sindoor Phase 3, based on government sources:

• In the early morning of May 10, India struck PAF Chaklala and Sargodha bases using BrahMos-A missiles as part of Operation Sindoor Phase 3. The impact at Chaklala was confirmed earlier through human intelligence and open-source/social media videos. Damage at Sargodha was confirmed later in the evening, along with strikes on Jacobabad, Bholari, and Skardu, as battle damage assessment was still ongoing.

• An intelligence alert in Pakistan warned that Indian missiles could next target nuclear command and control elements and strategic deterrence office buildings. This alert was issued across Rawalpindi.

• Following the alert, Pakistan contacted the United States and sought intervention. The U.S., which had been in contact with both sides through protocol channels, drew a red line and instructed Pakistan to activate its Army-level hotline immediately. India, as per existing protocol, refused any mediation or dialogue with Pakistan.

• Pakistan waited until it could reduce hostilities in its most active sectors, including Poonch-Rajouri. Drone intrusion attempts were already ongoing, and Pakistan delayed contact until that wave subsided by the afternoon.

• At 15:35 hours on May 10, Pakistan DGMO Major General Kashif Abdullah called Indian DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai and requested cessation of hostilities at the earliest.

• India, which had prepared Phase 4 of Operation Sindoor targeting energy, economic, and strategic deterrence command and control assets, agreed to a cessation of kinetic actions. There were no conditions or suffixes attached. Both sides understood that their DGMOs would speak again after 48 hours.

• The conversation between the two DGMOs focused only on halting kinetic action. India later clarified that other measures, such as the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty, would remain in effect.