Pakistan (Commonwealth Union)_ In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday declared his readiness to engage in peace talks with India to resolve all longstanding disputes between the two countries, including Kashmir, terrorism, water sharing, and trade. His remarks came during an official visit to Iran, where he was warmly received by President Masoud Pezeshkian at Tehran’s Saadabad Palace. Sharif’s statement was made at a joint press conference with President Pezeshkian, as part of the second leg of his four-nation diplomatic tour.
Also read: India’s Economic Boom Just Shook the World—And It’s Just Getting Started
The Pakistani leader flew to Tehran from Turkiye, accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and several senior cabinet members. “We want to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue and the water issue, through negotiations,” Sharif said. “We are also ready to talk to our neighbour on trade and counter-terrorism. If India accepts this offer, we will demonstrate our sincerity for peace. But if they choose aggression, Pakistan will defend its territory, as we have recently shown.”
Also read: India’s Northeast Set to Explode with Investment — Thanks to This Bold Summit
The Prime Minister’s comments come weeks after renewed tensions between India and Pakistan, sparked by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. India responded with Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In retaliation, Pakistan launched missile and drone attacks, escalating hostilities between the two nuclear-armed nations. However, a ceasefire was eventually reached following military-level talks on May 10. Sharif’s call for dialogue appears to reflect a shift in Islamabad’s stance, amid growing international concern over the volatile situation in South Asia.
Also read: Malaysia’s Bold Anti-Tobacco Move Just Got Global Applause—Is This the Future of Health?
Sharif praised Iranian leadership for their support during the recent crisis, thanking President Pezeshkian for his solidarity and acknowledging the visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Pakistan during the conflict. “He is an outstanding diplomat who showed great concern and friendship during difficult times,” Sharif noted. India, however, remains firm in its position that talks with Pakistan must be limited to counter-terrorism and the status of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly asserted that “terror and talks cannot happen at the same time,” dismissing any broader dialogue until Pakistan takes credible action against terrorism. New Delhi has also reiterated that any dialogue must remain strictly bilateral, indirectly rejecting offers from third parties, including a previous mediation offer from former US President Donald Trump.
Despite the diplomatic standoff, Sharif’s statement from Tehran signals a possible opening, however tentative, in South Asia’s strained relations. His outreach comes at a time when regional cooperation is under intense international scrutiny, particularly with regard to security, trade, and cross-border stability. In addition to his remarks on India, Sharif emphasized the importance of strengthening Pakistan-Iran ties. He described his discussions with Iranian leaders as “productive and useful,” noting both sides agreed to boost cooperation in trade, investment, and other areas of mutual interest. Furthermore, Sharif and his delegation are also scheduled to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to discuss regional security and bilateral issues.
