Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated during a joint press briefing in Tehran that his country is prepared to hold talks with India aimed at resolving longstanding disputes including Kashmir, water-sharing, and trade. Speaking alongside Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sharif emphasized that Pakistan wants to promote peace through dialogue and cooperation on issues such as counter-terrorism and economic ties.
“We seek peace and will strive for it through dialogue to resolve our outstanding issues,” Sharif stated, adding that India’s acceptance of Pakistan’s peace offer would show genuine commitment.
Sharif was visiting Iran after a trip to Turkey, with further visits planned to Tajikistan and Azerbaijan. Iranian President Pezeshkian expressed support for a lasting ceasefire between India and Pakistan and urged dialogue among regional countries to resolve conflicts and foster peace.
The background to this comes after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that the treaty, governing water-sharing between the two countries since 1960, is on hold due to Pakistan’s continued cross-border terrorism.
Jaiswal noted that climate change, demographic shifts, and technological advancements have created new ground realities, justifying India’s decision to keep the treaty suspended until Pakistan unequivocally ends support for terrorism.
Furthermore, India imposed an immediate ban on the import and transit of all goods originating from or exported by Pakistan, effectively halting bilateral trade flows as per a notification from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
This series of moves reflects the ongoing tension between the two neighbors, even as Pakistan signals a willingness to engage in dialogue for peace and resolution.
