During a go to to Tehran, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed willingness to hold peace talks with India on key disputes along with Kashmir and terrorism. He warned, nonetheless, of a strong response if provoked. The assertion comes throughout the wake of present military tensions between the two worldwide places.

Islamabad:

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed readiness to work together in peace talks with India to resolve long-standing factors, along with Kashmir, terrorism, water sharing, and commerce. Speaking at a joint press conference in Tehran alongside Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sharif talked about, “We want to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue and the water issue, through negotiations. We are also ready to talk to our neighbour on trade and counter-terrorism.”

Sharif is in the intervening time on the second leg of his four-nation tour, having arrived throughout the Iranian capital from Turkey. He was acquired by President Pezeshkian at Saadabad Palace with a guard of honour sooner than holding bilateral talks.

While extending the provision of dialogue, Sharif moreover issued a cautionary remember, warning of a company response in case of aggression. “If they choose to remain aggressors, then we shall defend our territory … like we have done a few days ago. But if they accept my offer of peace, then we will show that we really want peace, seriously and sincerely,” he talked about.

His suggestions come throughout the backdrop of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror assault that claimed 26 lives. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, concentrating on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan responded with tried strikes on Indian military bases between May 8 and 10, prompting sturdy Indian countermeasures. Hostilities de-escalated after a ceasefire understanding was reached all through DGMO-level talks on May 10.

Sharif moreover claimed Pakistan emerged “victorious” throughout the four-day battle and thanked President Pezeshkian and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for his or her help and diplomatic outreach all through the escalation.

On bilateral ties, Sharif talked about the Pakistani and Iranian delegations had a “very productive and useful” meeting overlaying commerce, investments, and broader cooperation. “There was total agreement that our two brotherly and neighbourly countries must enhance our cooperation in the field of trade, investments, commerce—in fact, every walk of life,” he added.

Sharif was accompanied in Tehran by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. The delegation will also be scheduled to fulfill Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei for extra discussions on bilateral and regional points.

(With PTI inputs)