Shehbaz bats for peaceful talks to address India-Pakistan issues
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the country’s political leadership, including his coalition partners and opposition, for demonstrating “exemplary” unity and integrity during the four-day confrontation between Pakistani and Indian militaries.
In an address to the nation late Saturday night, Sharif said the “path of peaceful negotiations” should be adopted to solve the longstanding issues between India and Pakistan, including the sharing of water resources and the Kashmir issue.
India and Pakistan on Saturday reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with immediate effect.
Sharif said Pakistan has given a positive response to the understanding reached with India in the interest of regional peace.
Sharif also said Pakistan responded positively to international diplomatic efforts and expressed his gratitude to all friendly countries, including the leadership of the US, the UK, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Sharif especially mentioned the efforts and support of Pakistan’s “time-tested” and trustworthy” friend China, which he said stood with Pakistan in “this hour of turbulence”.
The PM described the understanding with India as a success of the entire nation and the armed forces of Pakistan. According to Radio Pakistan, he said the Pakistan military’s “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos”, was successful and that India’s actions were responded to in a professional manner.
Can be discussed in future dialogue: Khawaja
Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty and terrorism remain major issues with India and could be discussed in any future dialogue with the neighbouring country. Asif’s comments came when he was asked about tackling the pending issues with India following the understanding reached with India on Saturday to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with immediate effect. Thus was reached after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.
Sri Lanka hails truce
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday hailed the understanding reached between India and Pakistan to stop all firing and military action as a “significant step towards peace”.
“The immediate cessation of hostilities is not only a vital measure to protect innocent lives on both sides but also a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace and stability in our region. I deeply appreciate the decision by both nations,” he said.
World