Owaisi Questions Ceasefire With Pakistan, Demands Accountability For Terrorism: 'Must Continue To...'

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi stated on Saturday that genuine peace between India and Pakistan remains unachievable as long as Pakistan continues to support terrorism originating from its own soil.

His remarks came shortly after India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire understanding on Saturday evening, agreeing to halt hostilities across land, sea, and air following nearly a week of heightened military tensions.

Photo Credit: PTI

"Whether there's a ceasefire or not, we must continue our efforts to pursue those responsible for the Pahalgam attack," Owaisi posted on X.

"There can be no lasting peace while Pakistan enables terrorism against India from within its borders."

Owaisi also praised the Indian Army for its conduct during the recent escalation.

"I thank our armed forces for their courage and exceptional professionalism. I pay tribute to Army jawan M. Murali Naik and ADDC Raj Kumar Thapa, and I offer prayers for the civilians who lost their lives or were injured during this conflict," he said.

He expressed hope that the ceasefire would bring some relief to residents of border areas and urged unity among Indians.

"Let this ceasefire provide some peace to those living near the borders. I also hope that recent events remind all Indians and our political parties that national strength lies in unity - our enemies gain when we are divided."

The Hyderabad MP also raised concerns about the role of foreign powers in brokering the ceasefire, questioning the government's shift in stance on third-party mediation.

"I have some questions for the government. I wish our Prime Minister, @narendramodi, had been the one to announce the ceasefire, not the head of another nation. Since the Simla Agreement of 1972, we have consistently rejected external mediation. Why has this changed now? I hope the issue of Kashmir is not being allowed to become internationalised - it remains our internal matter," he said.

Owaisi also emphasised the importance of sustaining international pressure on Pakistan, particularly through mechanisms like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

"Why are discussions being held on neutral ground? What will be the terms of these talks? Has the US given any assurances that Pakistan won't use its territory for terrorism again? Was our objective merely to secure a ceasefire mediated by Donald Trump, or was it to deter Pakistan from launching any future attacks? We must keep up diplomatic efforts to ensure Pakistan remains on the FATF grey list," he concluded.