Pakistan, India suggest possible de-escalation amid both countries’ missile strikes

Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, stated on Saturday that his country would be open to de-escalation if India ceased its attacks. This statement came after India expressed a desire for non-escalation if Pakistan reciprocated. The ongoing conflict between the two nations was ignited by a massacre last month, which India blames on Pakistan.

Dar cautioned that Pakistan would retaliate if India initiated any further strikes. He also mentioned conveying this message to U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who reached out to him following discussions with Indian officials.

The situation escalated on Saturday as both countries engaged in strikes. Pakistan claimed to have intercepted most of India’s missiles and carried out retaliatory attacks. India, on the other hand, targeted Pakistani airbases after Islamabad fired missiles at military and civilian infrastructure in India’s Punjab state.

In a press conference in New Delhi, Indian Col. Sofiya Qureshi accused Pakistan of targeting health facilities and schools at three air bases in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh emphasized India’s commitment to non-escalation if Pakistan reciprocated. However, she expressed concerns about Pakistani ground forces moving towards forward areas, indicating a potential escalation.

The Indian armed forces maintained a high state of operational readiness in response to the escalating tensions. Pakistan used medium-range Fateh missiles to target an Indian missile storage facility and airbases in Pathankot and Udhampur. Pakistan Army spokesman, Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif, reassured that the country’s air force assets remained secure after India’s strikes.

The United States intervened in the conflict, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging both sides to de-escalate and establish direct communication to prevent any miscalculations. The State Department offered U.S. support to facilitate productive discussions between India and Pakistan.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for both nations to prioritize peace and dialogue to avoid further escalation of the conflict. The Associated Press contributed to this report.