India and Pakistan Violate Ceasefire Hours After Peace Deal

India and Pakistan violated a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement within hours of its announcement on Saturday, reigniting fears of full-scale conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours. The truce, meant to end weeks of escalating missile and drone attacks sparked by a deadly shooting of tourists in Kashmir, quickly unraveled as explosions were reported in multiple cities across Indian-controlled Kashmir. Indian officials blamed Pakistan for breaching the agreement, while Pakistan insisted it was India that struck first.

The renewed violence follows intense diplomatic engagement from the U.S., with President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming both nations had agreed to halt all military action. Despite the ceasefire, Pakistan reported Indian missile strikes on three of its air bases, prompting retaliatory attacks on Indian targets in Punjab. Civilian casualties and widespread blackouts were reported in Kashmir, adding to rising panic among residents already shaken by days of conflict.

While both governments publicly reaffirmed their commitment to peace, their actions on the ground told a different story. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged dialogue over Kashmir and other disputes, and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said both militaries had agreed to stop hostilities across land, air, and sea. However, the situation remains volatile, with citizens on both sides expressing relief at the ceasefire's intent—but deep concern over its apparent collapse.