\u2022 Military contacts lead to extension of ceasefire till 18th; US wants both nations to uphold truce
\u2022 Dar says ultimately \u2018political dialogue\u2019 will take place to address all issues; reiterates opposition to Indian move to end Kashmir\u2019s autonomy
\u2022 Senate resolution condemns India for unprovoked strikes against Pakistan
\u2022 Trump claims hostilities between nuclear neighbours \u2018settled\u2019, asks both to focus on trade<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan and India extended<\/a> the nascent ceasefire<\/a> till May 18, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday informed the Senate that Pakistan sought a \u201ccomposite dialogue\u201d with New Delhi to put all contentious matters to rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the foreign minister, the ceasefire was extended through military-to-military communication, but a political dialogue will ultimately have to take place to resolve the problems between the two neighbours. \u201cWe have told the world that we will hold a composite dialogue,\u201d he informed the Senate.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The FM said Pakistan had never accepted the unilateral revocation of occupied Kashmir\u2019s special status by India in 2019, while also warning that any attempt to block Pakistan\u2019s water through the unlawful suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty<\/a> would be treated as an act of war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said there was no clause in the treaty under which it could be held in abeyance. \u201cIt could neither be amended nor terminated unilaterally,\u201d he said, alluding to the Indian move to hold the treaty in abeyance following the Pahalgam shooting<\/a>. The deputy prime minister said India used the Pahalgam incident as a pretext to sabotage the Indus Waters Treaty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The FM also clarified that Pakistan had not sought the ceasefire in conversations with world leaders during the heightened tensions with India. In fact, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a telephonic conversation, conveyed that India was willing to halt hostilities, he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The FM also referred to subsequent calls from friendly countries and said Pakistan\u2019s position that it desired peace with dignity and honour was explained to all. \u201cWe told our friends that we would not initiate an attack, but we would certainly respond if provoked,\u201d he said, adding that Pakistan\u2019s response was measured, decisive, and in line with international law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The foreign minister pointed out that the recent conflict began after the Pahalgam incident, which India instantly blamed on Pakistan in the absence of any evidence. \u201cWe offered a transparent and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam attack, but India refused,\u201d he regretted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n