Throughout a go to to Tehran, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed willingness to carry peace talks with India on key disputes together with Kashmir and terrorism. He warned, nonetheless, of a robust response if provoked. The assertion comes within the wake of current navy tensions between the 2 international locations.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed readiness to have interaction in peace talks with India to resolve long-standing points, together with Kashmir, terrorism, water sharing, and commerce. Talking at a joint press convention in Tehran alongside Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sharif stated, “We need to resolve all disputes, together with the Kashmir concern and the water concern, via negotiations. We’re additionally prepared to speak to our neighbour on commerce and counter-terrorism.”
Sharif is presently on the second leg of his four-nation tour, having arrived within the Iranian capital from Turkey. He was acquired by President Pezeshkian at Saadabad Palace with a guard of honour earlier than holding bilateral talks.
Whereas extending the supply of dialogue, Sharif additionally issued a cautionary be aware, warning of a agency response in case of aggression. “In the event that they select to stay aggressors, then we will defend our territory … like we have now performed a couple of days in the past. But when they settle for my supply of peace, then we’ll present that we actually need peace, critically and sincerely,” he stated.
His feedback come within the backdrop of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror assault that claimed 26 lives. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor on Could 7, focusing on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan responded with tried strikes on Indian navy bases between Could 8 and 10, prompting sturdy Indian countermeasures. Hostilities de-escalated after a ceasefire understanding was reached throughout DGMO-level talks on Could 10.
Sharif additionally claimed Pakistan emerged “victorious” within the four-day battle and thanked President Pezeshkian and Iranian International Minister Abbas Araghchi for his or her assist and diplomatic outreach in the course of the escalation.
On bilateral ties, Sharif stated the Pakistani and Iranian delegations had a “very productive and helpful” assembly overlaying commerce, investments, and broader cooperation. “There was whole settlement that our two brotherly and neighbourly international locations should improve our cooperation within the area of commerce, investments, commerce—actually, each stroll of life,” he added.
Sharif was accompanied in Tehran by Deputy Prime Minister and International Minister Ishaq Dar, Military Chief Subject Marshal Asim Munir, Inside Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Info Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Particular Assistant Tariq Fatemi. The delegation can also be scheduled to satisfy Iranian Supreme Chief Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei for additional discussions on bilateral and regional issues.
(With PTI inputs)