In the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended an offer of dialogue to India. While speaking at the Kamra Air Base in Punjab province on Thursday, Sharif stated that Islamabad is ready to engage with New Delhi ‘’for peace’’, but reasserted that the dialogue must include the Kashmir issue.
Kashmir remains main part of the peace dialouge
”We are ready to talk with (India) for peace,” Sharif stated, while underlining that any roadmap for peace must address ”conditions” related to Kashmir. His statement indicates a diplomatic opening after the ceasefire agreement made between the two countries on May 10, just after four days of intense military exchanges.
On the other hand, India has constantly maintained that Jammu and Kashmir along with Ladakh are integral parts of the country. It has also rejected any third-party or conditional involvement related to the issue.
During his visit Sharif was accompanied by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief General Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. His address came after a similar visit to Pasrur Cantonment in Sialkot, where he also met with the troops who took part in the recent conflict.
India launched operation Sindoor on the night of May 6-7 in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians lost their lives. During the operation, nine target facilities in Pakistan and PoJK were hit in Pakistan and PoJK, leading to more than 100 reported terrorist casualties. In counter attack, Pakistan attempted to target Indian military installations on May 8, 9 and 10 but faced heavy counter strikes by the Indian armed forces. Moreover, India also attacked airbases in Murid, Rahim Yar Khan, Chaklala and Rafiqui.
As of now, India has not officially responded to Shehbaz’s offer for talks.
(With inputs from PTI)