Desk:Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday as soon as once more expressed his want to carry talks with India, stating that each international locations should sit collectively to resolve key points similar to Kashmir, water, and terrorism. He made these remarks whereas addressing the Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit held in Lachin, Azerbaijan, attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Sharif mentioned, “We should sit down and speak for peace. There are points that require speedy consideration and ought to be resolved by dialogue — most significantly the Kashmir subject, which should be addressed as per the UN Safety Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri individuals.”
This marked Sharif’s second such assertion in the identical week. Earlier, on Monday in Tehran, he had mentioned that Pakistan was prepared to interact with India to resolve “all excellent disputes.”
He additionally expressed a willingness to renew commerce with India and criticized India’s transfer to droop the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a “lifeline” for the Pakistani individuals for agriculture, consuming water, and different important wants.
On terrorism, he remarked, “If India sincerely desires to interact in dialogue to fight terrorism, Pakistan is able to speak on that subject too.”
India’s Agency Stand
India, nevertheless, has reiterated its agency place that any significant dialogue with Pakistan can solely occur if two core points are addressed: the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the elimination of cross-border terrorism.
Based on sources within the Indian Ministry of Exterior Affairs, India has made it clear that Pakistan should first dismantle terrorist infrastructure working from its soil and take steps towards vacating PoK earlier than any constructive talks can start.
Tensions Escalated After Operation Sindoor
The latest statements come within the backdrop of excessive army tensions between the 2 nuclear neighbors. On April 22, a lethal terrorist assault in Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir) claimed 26 lives. In response, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on the night time of Might 6, finishing up precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.
Pakistan retaliated by trying assaults on Indian army positions on Might 8, 9, and 10. Nevertheless, Indian forces responded with sturdy countermeasures.
Finally, on Might 10, the Administrators Common of Navy Operations (DGMOs) of each nations held hotline talks, after which either side agreed to stop additional army motion.
Diplomacy or Tactical Maneuvering?
Sharif’s renewed name for dialogue is being interpreted in numerous methods. Some see it as a real diplomatic outreach, whereas others view it as a strategic transfer beneath worldwide strain. Whereas Pakistan continues to speak about peace and dialogue, India stays centered on demanding motion on terrorism and the return of illegally occupied territory.
The scenario stays fragile, and time will inform whether or not this provide results in any actual motion towards peace or if it turns into simply one other rhetorical gesture like many prior to now.