India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire on Saturday, unexpectedly halting the worst fighting in decades between the nuclear-armed neighbors, just when their tit-for-tat strikes appeared to be spiraling out of control.

Some details are clouded by contradictory statements and disinformation. But a pattern of rapid escalation brought the conflict to the brink of catastrophe.

By Saurabh Sharma, Tariq Maqbool and Aftab Ahmed AMRITSAR, India/ MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan (Reuters) -A ceasefire between India and Pakistan was holding on Sunday after both sides blamed the other for initial violations,