In a significant development amid escalating regional tensions, Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met for the second time in 48 hours with the United States' Acting Ambassador to Pakistan, Natalie Baker. The high-level meeting, held on May 9, 2025, in Islamabad, focused on the fragile situation following recent ceasefire violations and aerial skirmishes between Pakistan and India.
Also present at the meeting were U.S. Political Counselor Zack Harkinrider and Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry. This repeated engagement between the two sides underscores the urgency and gravity of the regional situation and reflects growing international concern over the possibility of further escalation.
Focus on Cross-Border Tensions and Violations
During the discussions, Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the U.S. delegation on the recent hostilities initiated by India, including alleged drone attacks targeting civilian areas in Pakistani territory. According to Naqvi, Pakistan's security forces successfully intercepted and neutralized several threats, thereby averting large-scale civilian casualties.
He emphasized that India's actions represented a clear violation of international laws and norms, and accused New Delhi of deliberately destabilizing the peace in South Asia. "India has taken aggressive steps that endanger regional security. We will defend our sovereignty at any cost," said Naqvi during the briefing.
The minister further highlighted Pakistan’s restraint despite provocations, calling on the international community, especially the United States, to play a proactive role in de-escalating the situation. “The region is at the brink of war. We need responsible diplomacy, not belligerent rhetoric,” he added.
U.S. Role in De-Escalation Efforts
Acting Ambassador Natalie Baker acknowledged Pakistan’s concerns and expressed Washington’s deep interest in ensuring that both nuclear-armed neighbors avoid further conflict. According to diplomatic sources, Baker reiterated America’s support for Pakistan’s right to self-defense while urging both sides to engage in dialogue and uphold ceasefire agreements.
The meeting reflects growing American involvement behind the scenes as Washington attempts to prevent another full-scale confrontation between the two arch-rivals, whose relations have been marked by decades of mistrust, territorial disputes, and military standoffs—most notably over the Kashmir region.
Baker also praised the professionalism of Pakistan’s security forces in handling recent provocations and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to supporting peace, stability, and democratic values in the region.
Pakistan’s Stance: India Responsible for Provocation
In his remarks, Interior Minister Naqvi made it clear that Pakistan does not seek war but would respond firmly to any act of aggression. He asserted that India bore full responsibility for the current state of affairs and criticized the Indian government for its "irresponsible militarism."
Naqvi accused India of intentionally violating the Line of Control (LoC) ceasefire, which had previously held since the 2021 agreement facilitated through backchannel diplomacy. The collapse of that understanding, according to Pakistani officials, has had disastrous consequences for border communities and regional stability.
He also mentioned that Pakistan has gathered concrete evidence of India's recent hostile maneuvers and has shared these findings with international partners, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
A Larger Regional Picture
The meeting comes at a critical juncture when both India and Pakistan are facing domestic political pressures, economic challenges, and increasingly polarized public sentiments. The renewed skirmishes risk drawing both countries into a wider conflict with potentially devastating consequences—not just for South Asia but for global peace and security.
Pakistan’s outreach to the U.S. is seen as part of a broader strategy to internationalize the issue and garner diplomatic support. With rising global tensions elsewhere, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, international observers fear that South Asia may be heading toward a dangerously unstable period if proactive mediation is not pursued.
Looking Ahead
While no immediate breakthrough was announced following the meeting, both sides agreed to continue diplomatic engagement and coordination in the days ahead. Sources close to the matter revealed that the U.S. may be preparing to facilitate a broader dialogue between Indian and Pakistani officials, possibly through a third-party forum.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s government continues to consult with its allies, including China, Turkey, and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, to formulate a unified diplomatic front. Domestic sentiment within Pakistan has rallied strongly behind the armed forces, and calls for national unity are growing louder in the media and political discourse.
The repeated meetings between Pakistani leadership and U.S. officials mark a renewed phase in strategic engagement between Islamabad and Washington—one that may prove pivotal in shaping the future trajectory of Indo-Pak relations.
Reference: وزیر داخلہ سے امریکی قائم مقام سفیر کی ایک اور ملاقات ، بھارت سے جنگ بندی کے بعد کی صورتحال پر گفتگو
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