India-Pakistan tension: In a diplomatic overture, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed willingness to engage in peace talks with India. During his visit to Iran, Sharif emphasised the need for dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. This marks a significant shift in tone from Pakistan’s leadership following years of strained relations.
Addressing a press conference in Tehran, Sharif said, “We want to resolve all disputes with India through dialogue and peaceful means. I am ready to talk with India to improve relations and bring stability to the region.”
High-level delegation in Iran
Sharif made the remarks while in Tehran, where he was received with a guard of honour by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the Saadabad Palace. Accompanying him were key members of Pakistan’s government and military, including Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi.
What Pak PM said?
While extending an olive branch, Sharif also issued a stern warning: “If [India] chooses the path of aggression, we shall defend our territory… like we did a few days ago.” He was referring to the recent military clash sparked by India’s Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
Sharif claimed that Pakistan emerged “victorious” in the four-day conflict, despite heavy Indian strikes on Pakistani military targets.
Highlighting the broader stakes, Sharif said, “Peace between Pakistan and India will not only benefit our two countries but also contribute to regional peace and prosperity.”
During Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces struck nine target facilities across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), reportedly resulting in over 100 terrorist casualties. In retaliation, Pakistan launched attacks on Indian military installations on May 8, 9, and 10. However, these efforts were met with strong counter-offensives by Indian forces. Additionally, India carried out strikes on key airbases in Murid, Rahim Yar Khan, Chaklala, and Rafiqui.