How ​Pak-India ceasefire deal ​came about?

ISLAMABAD: ​Fighter jets’ operations and looming threat of a full-scale war between Pakistan and India were put on hold Saturday evening after US President Donald Trump directly intervened to meditate a ceasefire between the neighbouring countries.

Highly placed diplomatic sources told HUM Investigation Team that the sudden de-escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbours became possible after urgent diplomatic engagement by major players, particularly Washington and Riyadh.

They revealed that Pakistan agreed to halt its retaliatory missile strikes and pursue an immediate ceasefire following requests relayed by the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — at India’s appeal.

Sources informed that after witnessing the scale of damage inflicted by Pakistan’s missile response — though officially denied by New Delhi — Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar reached out to US Secretary of State Mark Rubio late last night, requesting requesting him to ungently engage Pakistan.

During the conversation, sources said, Jaishankar sought US help in arranging an immediate ceasefire with Pakistan.

Diplomatic sources further stated that, acting on India’s request, Mark Rubio contacted Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir early on Saturday morning. Rubio also spoke with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar convey India’s request for a ceasefire.

In parallel, sources further added, India reached out to the Saudi government, asking for its diplomatic assistance in reaching the ceasefire deal with Pakistan. The Saudi Foreign Minister then held a telephonic conversation with Ishaq Dar on Saturday morning, delivering New Delhi’s request for calm.

Later in the afternoon, the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both countries held discussions and agreed to implement a ceasefire with immediate effect.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar told the HUM Investigation Team that both countries have agreed to an immediate ceasefire​ in response to appeals from friendly countries.