Islamabad: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has clarified that Islamabad never requested mediation from the United States or any third party to broker a ceasefire during the recent military confrontation with India, codenamed Operation Sindoor.
In a statement to the media, Dar categorically denied claims made by former US President Donald Trump that he had mediated between the two neighbours. “We did not ask anyone for mediation,” Dar said, adding that Pakistan had not sought intervention from America or any other country to halt the conflict.
The remarks come amid ongoing debates over the events of Operation Sindoor, which India launched in May 2025 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The operation involved precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan had earlier acknowledged suffering significant losses, prompting it to seek a ceasefire directly.
Dar also recalled that when queried about Trump’s involvement, US officials reportedly confirmed India’s firm stance that the matter was bilateral. He emphasised that Pakistan has always preferred dialogue but has never sought external arbitration.
The statement has reignited discussions on the 2025 India-Pakistan standoff, with Pakistan maintaining it did not require foreign help to de-escalate. India has consistently held that the ceasefire was achieved through direct military channels without third-party involvement.
Dar’s clarification underscores the sensitivity of the episode and the differing narratives surrounding the brief but intense conflict.