Shehbaz Sharif made the declaration while speaking with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at a joint press conference in Tehran. He was on the second leg of his four-nation trip, having visited Saudi Arabia and Iran so far. He emphasized that Pakistan was ready to hold discussions with India for regional peace.
Pakistan’s Willingness to Discuss Key Issues Says Shehbaz Sharif
“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,” he said.
Shehbaz Sharif went on to say that if his “offer of peace” is accepted, then they will demonstrate that they “really want peace, seriously and sincerely.”
At the same time, India has reasserted that dialogue with Pakistan is possible only on the issue of the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and its stance against cross-border terrorism.
Shehbaz Sharif also asserted that his nation emerged “victorious” from the battle with India.
Iran’s Support for Peace between India and Pakistan
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei also addressed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, stating that Iran is “pleased” with the decision and that the disputes between the two countries will be resolved. “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.
India-Pakistan tensions escalated after the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
Indian Military Action and Pakistani Retaliation
On 7 May, India conducted precision strikes under Operation Sindoor against terror facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated by trying to attack Indian military bases on 8, 9, and 10 May. India reacted sternly to these attempts.
The ground-level hostilities came to an end after a dialogue between the directors general of military operations of both sides on 10 May, leading to a consensus to suspend military operations.
