During his official visit to Iran, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed readiness to hold peace talks with India to resolve longstanding bilateral issues, including Kashmir, terrorism, water disputes, and trade.
“We want to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue and the water issue, through negotiations and are also ready to talk to our neighbour on trade and counter-terrorism,” Sharif said, addressing a joint press conference in Tehran alongside Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The stop marked the second leg of his four-nation tour.
Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s willingness to engage with India in the interest of regional peace. “If our offer of peace is accepted, we will prove that we genuinely and sincerely seek peace,” he added.
India, however, has reiterated its longstanding position that talks with Pakistan can only take place in the context of the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the cessation of cross-border terrorism.
Sharif also claimed that Pakistan had emerged “victorious” in past conflicts with India.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei welcomed the ongoing ceasefire between India and Pakistan. “We’re pleased at the cessation of conflicts between Pakistan and India, and we hope the disputes between the two countries will be resolved,” he said.
Tensions between the two nations escalated following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which left 26 people dead.
Source: Hindustan Times
