New Delhi: In a dramatic turn, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a ceasefire and dialogue with India, while making a series of false and baseless accusations. Speaking to international stakeholders, Sharif claimed India imposed war on Pakistan, attacked military bases, and launched missiles resulting in the deaths of several Pakistani soldiers — a narrative clearly aimed at playing the victim card before the world.
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Sharif credited the United States, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia for facilitating the ceasefire, even thanking former U.S. President Donald Trump and the Saudi Crown Prince. He also lauded China’s support, describing the Xi Jinping-led regime as Pakistan’s “true friend” during tough times — a statement that has further exposed Beijing’s invisible hand in fanning regional conflict.
The timing of China’s involvement raises eyebrows. Facing a trade war with the United States and watching global companies shift toward India, China seemingly found an opportunity to distract and counter India by using Pakistan as a proxy. Analysts suggest that Beijing may have weaponized its influence over Pakistan’s military leadership, including General Asim Munir, to trigger conflict at a strategic moment.
However, the United States — focused on stability in South Asia — was quick to engage in back-channel diplomacy to defuse tensions. Still, China is expected to attempt derailing the ceasefire, as peace does not align with its geopolitical interests.
Despite the announced truce, Pakistan violated the ceasefire just two hours later, reaffirming its status as an unreliable and hostile neighbor. In response, India has given its armed forces a free hand, signaling that any further provocation will be met with decisive force.
Tonight could prove crucial — and for Pakistan, possibly its most costly misstep yet.
