Pakistan’s Ex-Foreign Minister Credits Leadership for India-Pakistan Ceasefire
In a recent seminar held virtually in New Delhi, former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri shed light on the circumstances that led to the ceasefire between India and Pakistan during their recent conflict. Speaking candidly, Kasuri emphasized that the peace agreement was a result of mature decision-making at the highest levels of both governments, rather than the actions of military commanders alone.
Kasuri, who served under former President Pervez Musharraf, was clear in his remarks: the ceasefire did not come about because of any single military official or group. Instead, it was a deliberate and mutual choice made by the top political leadership in both countries who recognized the futility of prolonged conflict.
“Give credit where it is due,” Kasuri said, stressing the importance of acknowledging the role of the highest authorities. “It was not any Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) or lower-level official. It was the highest level of India and Pakistan that wanted the war to end.”
This statement challenges some of the narratives that tend to highlight the role of military commanders or backchannel negotiations. Kasuri’s words suggest that despite political tensions and decades of mistrust, the leadership in both countries exercised what he described as “common sense” to bring about a much-needed pause in hostilities.
“We had a ceasefire because both governments had the common sense, and they decided that enough was enough,” he explained. The former foreign minister’s emphasis on “common sense” underlines the idea that both sides recognized the heavy cost of conflict — in terms of lives, economic impact, and regional stability.
Kasuri’s comments come at a time when India-Pakistan relations remain tense but hopeful, with the international community closely watching any moves toward peace. The two countries have a history marked by both conflict and dialogue, and such ceasefire agreements, while fragile, are vital for easing tensions.
By highlighting the role of political leadership, Kasuri reminds us that despite the complex military maneuvers and diplomatic challenges, ultimately it is the decisions of governments that determine whether conflict escalates or peace is restored.
The former foreign minister’s reflections also hint at the possibility of more constructive engagement in the future. If leaders on both sides can find common ground based on reason and pragmatism, there is hope that the cycle of conflict can be broken.
For those following India-Pakistan relations, Kasuri’s words offer a fresh perspective. Rather than viewing the ceasefire as a result of military pressure or international mediation alone, it is important to recognize the political will that underpinned the decision to halt fighting.
As Kasuri put it succinctly, the ceasefire was a product of shared wisdom — “enough was enough.” This serves as a reminder that, even in the most complex and long-standing disputes, peace remains possible when leaders are willing to prioritize it.
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