Pakistan and India have agreed to pull back troop reinforcements deployed during their recent military standoff, with a full withdrawal to peacetime positions expected by the end of May, a senior Pakistani security official told AFP on Tuesday.
The four-day conflict, which erupted following an attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir—blamed by New Delhi on Islamabad, a claim Pakistan denies—left over 70 people dead. The confrontation saw intense exchanges involving drones, missiles, artillery, and aerial combat before a surprise ceasefire was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. The ceasefire remains in effect.
“Troops will be withdrawn to pre-conflict positions by the end of May,” the Pakistani official said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak publicly.
The two countries agreed to a phased withdrawal of additional troops and weaponry, particularly along the Line of Control (LoC), the heavily militarized de facto border in Kashmir.
The Indian army had announced last week that both sides were taking “immediate measures” to reduce troop presence along the borders and forward areas. While the initial withdrawal plan aimed for completion within 10 days, minor logistical issues caused delays, the Pakistani official noted.
The latest escalation began on May 7 when India launched airstrikes against what it described as “terrorist camps” inside Pakistan. Islamabad responded with counterstrikes, escalating tensions until diplomatic pressure led to de-escalation.
Kashmir, claimed in full by both countries, has been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947, sparking multiple wars and repeated military clashes.
