India-Pakistan War: What Is The Meaning Of Ceasefire? 10 Key Highlights Here

India-Pakistan War: An eerie silence finally erupted at the borders of India, after a ceasefire was agreed with Pakistan at 5 PM of May 10th. However, certain cities are still on high alert after explosions were heard a few hours after the ceasefire decision. India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet on May 12, to discuss the matter further.

Ceasefire Meaning:

The term ceasefire literally means to cease firing. There is no official legal definition of ceasefire. Still, it can be defined as a 'suspension of acts of violence by military and paramilitary forces, usually resulting from the intervention of a third party'. A ceasefire signals an attempt to reach a more comprehensive and permanent settlement of an armed conflict. Ceasefires can be unilateral: a party can declare a ceasefire without seeking a ceasefire from the other side, as per Oxford Public International Law.

India and Pakistan agreed upon a ceasefire after intense standoff at the LoC, which was fuelled after Pakistani-backed Lashkar-E-Taiba's group called The Resistance Force (TRF) carried out a terror attack in India-occupied Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam region. 26-28 people died and the majority of them were Hindus. Pahalgam terror attack was the worst attack since Mumbai 26/11.

1. What did Donald Trump say?

Through his Truth Social account, Trump said, "I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan for having the strength, wisdom, and fortitude to fully know and understand that it was time to stop the current aggression that could have lead to to the death and destruction of so many, and so much. Millions of good and innocent people could have died! Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions."

He added, "I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision. While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great Nations."

Additionally, Trump said he would work with both India and Pakistan to see if, after a "thousand years," a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir. He said, "God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done!!!."

2. China Vows Support To Pakistan:

Amidst the ceasefire agreement, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has announced that China stands with Pakistan in upholding its "sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence".

3. Pakistan Violates Ceasefire:

A few hours after the ceasefire, the Pakistani defence forces violated the agreement. Their projectiles were spotted in the skies of Jammu city, while Shelling was heard in regions of Akhnoor, and Udhampur, and air raid sirens blasted in Barmer of Rajasthan. Gunshots and blasts were also heard in Srinagar.

4. Blackout In Cities:

As of now, there are high alerts in cities like Udhampur, Srinagar, Moga, Pathankot, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Vaishno Devi Temple, Ferozepur, Patiala, and Ambala. Hence, a blackout has been carried.

5. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir on violation of ceasefire:

After blasts and gunshots were heard in Srinagar, he said, "This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up."

6. Will Airports Be Reopened?

Abdullah added through its X. "Now that we have a ceasefire I hope the airports can be reopened quickly & civil flights can resume. We have a backlog of hajis who should have been in Medina by now. I hope the Union Government will move quickly to reopen airspace & enable us to resume Haj flights from Srinagar."

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and relevant aviation authorities have issued a series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) announcing the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India for all civil flight operations, effective from 9th to 14th May 2025 (which corresponds to 0529 IST on 15th May 2025), due to operational reasons.

7. Situations In Amritsar, Jammu After Ceasefire:

As per reports, no cross border drone activity is reported as of now, leading the situation to be calm and peaceful across Jammu province. As per Indian Express, though there had been no sounds of sirens followed by blackouts and explosions in the region, an uneasy calm prevailed at all the places with people in many areas voluntarily suiting off their lights till late night.

In Amritsar, ANI quoted DC Amritsar who said, "Though there had been no sounds of sirens followed by blackouts and explosions in the region, an uneasy calm prevailed at all the places with people in many areas voluntarily suiting off their lights till late night."

8. Pakistan On Ceasefire:

Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar through his X handler said, "Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!"

9. India-Pakistan 2025 War

On 23 April 2025, a standoff[clarification needed] emerged between India and Pakistan, which was sparked by the 2025 Pahalgam attack, a terrorist attack in the Baisaran Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, killing 27 people, including 25 Hindu tourists, a Christian tourist, and a local Muslim, as well as injuring more than 20 others. The Resistance Front (TRF) initially claimed responsibility for the attack. Armed skirmishes between India and Pakistan were reported along the Line of Control (LoC) beginning on 24 April, raising fears of further escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. A ceasefire was announced on 10 May 2025 from 16:30 PKT/17:00 IST following an agreement between India and Pakistan. However, Pakistan violated the ceasefire, as per Wikipedia.

10. What To Expect On May 12?

Since both countries are meeting on May 12, expectations related to Indus Waters Treaty, Shimla Agreement, Diplomats exchange and Wagah border decision will be eyed.

After Pahalgam attack, the standoffs were followed by a diplomatic crisis which emerged between the two countries, as India accused Pakistan of sponsoring the attack. India initiated the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, recalled its own diplomatic staff, suspended visa services, closed its borders, and announced its withdrawal from the Indus Waters Treaty, while Pakistan quickly denied any involvement and instead urged for an international inquiry, which Delhi promptly rejected. Pakistan initially responded with trade restrictions, closure of airspace and border crossings, and suspension of the Shimla Agreement. India's Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) also strongly urged Indian citizens to avoid travelling to Pakistan, and called on those currently in the country to return at the earliest opportunity, as per Wikipedia.