Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed a willingness to hold dialogue with India to resolve long-standing issues, including the Kashmir dispute and water-sharing conflicts. Speaking at a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran on Monday, May 26, Shehbaz emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and cooperation.
Currently on a four-nation diplomatic tour, Shehbaz is thanking allies like Iran and Turkey for their support during recent military tensions with India. Referring to the recent conflict triggered by deadly violence in Jammu and Kashmir, Shehbaz stated that Pakistan “emerged victorious” through the efforts of its armed forces but reaffirmed the nation’s desire for peace.
He stressed that peace talks must include discussions on Kashmir, based on UN Security Council resolutions and historical agreements. He also extended openness to discuss trade, counterterrorism, and water issues with India, warning, however, that Pakistan will defend itself if faced with aggression.
The Prime Minister later met with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and had held earlier talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to strengthen bilateral ties and economic cooperation. The remarks come after a brief but intense military standoff between India and Pakistan that ended in a ceasefire on May 10.
