In the disputed region of Kashmir, Pakistan and India’s militaries have agreed to strictly observe a ceasefire at the de facto border between the two countries and other agreements, according to a Pakistani military statement – a rare thaw in relations between the South Asian neighbors.
The director-general’s of military operations (DGMO) of the Indian and Pakistani military held discussions over a hotline between their offices on Thursday morning, a Pakistani military statement said.
“Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the [Line of Control] and all other sectors, with effect from midnight [on Friday],” said the statement.
The statement said talks were held “in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere”.
A ceasefire has been in place at the Line of Control (LoC), which divides Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, since 2003, but it is frequently violated by both sides, resulting in civilian and military casualties.