No talks with India until Kashmir issue is resolved: PM

ISLAMABAD/London: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that while Pakistan and India are neighbors and must coexist, meaningful dialogue cannot take place unless the Kashmir issue is resolved.

According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking at an event organized by the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation in London, he recalled that the two countries have already fought four wars, costing billions of dollars—funds that should have been invested in the progress and prosperity of their people.

He emphasized that Pakistan seeks talks with India on equal footing, but ties between the two nations cannot move forward without addressing the Kashmir dispute. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif underscored the significance of national unity, military strength, and overseas contributions in driving Pakistan toward prosperity during a public address to the Pakistani community in London.

The Prime Minister congratulated the nation on its “great victory” of May 10 over India, calling it a historic military and moral triumph that sent a strong message to the adversary. He recalled how, following India’s baseless accusations over the Pahalgam incident, Pakistan had offered an international probe—an offer New Delhi failed to respond to.

Highlighting the escalation, PM Shehbaz revealed that on May 6, India launched attacks on civilian targets in Pakistan, leading to casualties. In response, Pakistan exercised its right to self-defense and downed six enemy fighter jets in one go—a bold move that shifted the strategic balance.

The Prime Minister praised the Pakistan Armed Forces, especially COAS General Syed Asim Munir, for their composed and confident leadership. He lauded the Pakistan Air Force for its unmatched precision and professionalism, calling the event “Marka e Haq; Bunyan al-Marsoos” — a defining battle for truth and defense.

Read more: PM Shehbaz announces free August power bills for flood victims

He emphasized that the key to victory was twofold: the valor and preparedness of the armed forces and unprecedented unity between political and military leadership, fully backed by the nation of 240 million.

“Field Marshal Asim Munir led from the front. The officers and soldiers wrote a new chapter of bravery. The world now looks at Pakistan’s green passport with greater respect,” PM Shehbaz stated.

He reiterated Pakistan’s desire for peace and dialogue with India, including talks on Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism—”not from a position of weakness, but on equal terms.” He warned that without resolution of the Kashmir issue, peace in the region is unattainable.

On the humanitarian front, the Prime Minister expressed deep grief over the ongoing Gaza crisis, condemning the killing of 64,000 people and urging the Islamic world and international community to act immediately.

Addressing overseas Pakistanis, he called them “ambassadors of the country” and appreciated their critical role in stabilizing the economy, pointing out that $38.5 billion in remittances had been received last year.

He stressed the importance of economic independence, reducing loans, and investing in the country’s large youth population through modern education and IT training.

“Unity and solidarity should be our first priority. With dedication, nothing is impossible,” the Prime Minister asserted, adding that economic indicators were improving and Pakistan’s diplomatic ties were strengthening.

Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain also spoke at the event, echoing the PM’s views and acknowledging the resilience of overseas Pakistanis.

Dar revealed that Pakistan had overcome the threat of default under the Prime Minister’s leadership and improved inflation and interest rates. He emphasized Pakistan’s restored global diplomatic presence, pointing to the recent UNSC non-permanent seat victory with 182 votes.

Khawaja Asif praised the military’s defeat of India’s aggression, calling it an unprecedented humiliation for the so-called regional power. He highlighted the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence agreement as a game-changer, reinforcing bilateral ties.

He further assured that Pakistan would defend Saudi Arabia as its own land if needed, calling for a unified Muslim response to threats like climate change and regional instability.

 

The Prime Minister is set to lead Pakistan’s delegation at the 80th United Nations General Assembly Session in New York, where he will raise global issues, including Kashmir, Palestine, Islamophobia, and climate change, while promoting Pakistan’s vision of peace, development, and multilateralism.