Pakistan celebrates victory as war ends, sweets distributed

Amid military tension and counterattacks on the India-Pakistan border, the two countries announced a ceasefire on Saturday (May 10). This news has spread a wave of relief and joy across Pakistan. From the capital Islamabad to Lahore, from Karachi to Muzaffarabad, people have taken to the streets in all cities and are intoxicated with joy. Sweets are being distributed, and the sound of 'Long live Pakistan' can be heard.

Al Jazeera's live report said that ordinary people in various cities of Pakistan are seeing the India-Pakistan ceasefire as a moment of national pride. Many also consider it a diplomatic victory for the country.

"This is a big day for Pakistan. Our army has responded with strength. India had no other option but to agree to the ceasefire," said Mohammad Fateh, a young man from Lahore.

“War brings only suffering,” said 45-year-old housewife Zubeida Bibi, in Islamabad. “We are happy that peace is returning. It feels like Eid to me. We have won.”

Meanwhile, there was a sense of relief in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Many could not hold back their tears at the news of the ceasefire. “For us, peace means survival. We have suffered enough. I am happy that both Pakistan and India have taken a wise decision,” said local resident Zulfiqar Ali.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump made a statement on his social media handle ‘Truth Social’. He wrote, “After a long night of negotiations mediated by the US, I am happy to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire. Congratulations to both countries for using common sense and great intelligence.”

Soon after Trump’s announcement, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the ceasefire in a formal statement. The two countries said that after a day of diplomatic efforts, an important agreement had been reached, through which military operations would be stopped immediately.

Experts say that if the ceasefire is permanent, it would be a major step forward for stability in South Asia.