KARACHI: Pakistan and India yesterday signed an agreement for an immediate cease-fire in the disputed territory of the Rann of Kutch which was the scene of serious clashes between the troops of the two countries a few weeks ago. The agreement consists of three articles and will come into force at 5.30 a.m. (06.00 IST) today.

Simultaneously with the Rann of Kutch agreement, the President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of India have also agreed to issue orders forthwith to their respective troops to withdraw from the entire India-Pakistan borders so as to bring to an end the recent confrontation of the armed forces of the two countries. The agreement on the Rann of Kutch provides for immediate withdrawal of the troops on both sides, to be completed in seven days; restoration of status quo as on 1st January, 1965; meetings between Ministers of the two Governments, not later than one month after the cease-fire, to determine the border; and submitting the dispute for arbitration to a three-member tribunal if the Ministers fail to reach an agreement within two months.

[Meanwhile, as reported by agencies from Rawalpindi], President Ayub Khan said here today [June 30] that the Kutch Agreement which includes a provision for independent arbitration constitutes a model for the manner in which all the India-Pakistan disputes can be settled.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2015

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