Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on India to engage in comprehensive dialogue to resolve longstanding disputes, including the Kashmir issue and water-sharing conflicts, and to cooperate in the fight against terrorism.
Speaking at a ‘Yaume-Tashakkur’ (Day of Thanks) event in Islamabad on Friday (May 16), Shehbaz emphasized that past wars between the two nations brought nothing but suffering. “If key issues are resolved, we can move toward discussing trade and joint counter-terrorism strategies,” he stated, as reported by Dawn.
Highlighting Pakistan’s own struggle with terrorism, Shehbaz noted that the country has lost 90,000 lives and suffered over $150 billion in economic damage.
He warned that continued conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors could endanger the lives of over 1.6 billion people in the region. While affirming Pakistan’s military preparedness, he reiterated the desire for peace: “We have won wars but seek peace. We condemn aggression and prefer diplomacy.”
The event was attended by top military leaders, federal cabinet members, diplomats, and dignitaries, including Army Chief Asif Muni and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Sahir Mirza.
Shehbaz also revealed that India had launched attacks on three Pakistani air bases on May 6, prompting a late-night counterattack decision after consultations with military leadership.
