Hakeem Yaseen welcomes India-Pakistan ceasefire

Srinagar, May 10: President of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, on Saturday welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, hailing it as a crucial development that offers a ray of hope for peace and stability in the region.
In a statement issued from Srinagar, Hakeem Yaseen congratulated the armed forces of both nations and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those living along the Line of Control (LoC), for the successful implementation of the ceasefire. He described the move as a “significant and positive step” towards de-escalating tensions and fostering mutual trust between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our brave armed forces and to our people on the successful achievement of a ceasefire between both countries. This is a significant step towards peace, stability, and mutual understanding,” Yaseen said.
He stressed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially those residing in border areas, have long borne the brunt of hostilities, often paying with their lives, property, and psychological well-being. “The ceasefire brings much-needed relief to the innocent civilians who have been living in constant fear and uncertainty due to frequent cross-border shelling,” he added.
Hakeem Yaseen reiterated his longstanding position that war is not and can never be a solution to disputes between India and Pakistan. “Only sustained and meaningful dialogue can pave the way for lasting peace. It is high time both countries move beyond confrontational rhetoric and engage in honest discussions to address all outstanding issues, including the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he asserted.
The former minister urged the leadership in both New Delhi and Islamabad to seize this opportunity to initiate comprehensive confidence-building measures, including reopening of traditional trade routes, people-to-people contact, and cultural exchanges that have historically fostered goodwill. He also emphasized the need for restoring communication channels and allowing humanitarian access across the LoC.
“History has shown us that violence only perpetuates suffering. Dialogue is the only constructive path forward—one that not only reduces tension but also gives our future generations a chance to grow up in a peaceful environment. Let this ceasefire not be a temporary arrangement but the beginning of a durable peace process,” Yaseen said.
Appealing for political maturity and responsible leadership from both nations, Hakeem Yaseen said that peace in South Asia hinges on the ability of India and Pakistan to put people’s welfare above political posturing.
“The world is watching. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are watching. We hope this ceasefire is not just a pause in hostility but a sincere commitment to peace, prosperity, and human dignity,” he added.