Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday evening called for peaceful dialogue with India, urging both nations to resolve their long-standing disputes, including the Kashmir issue. Speaking at a “Youm-e-Tashakur” (Day of Gratitude) event in Islamabad, Sharif emphasized that past wars between the two countries brought no meaningful outcomes. “We’ve fought three wars with India, and none of them served the people. The real lesson is that we need to sit down like neighbours and address our issues, especially Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. Highlighting the broader impact of unresolved tensions, Sharif noted that peace in the region hinges on mutual understanding and cooperation. He added that improved relations could even pave the way for joint efforts in counterterrorism. His remarks come shortly after India and Pakistan agreed on May 10 to de-escalate a brief but intense military standoff involving cross-border drone and missile exchanges. The comments also follow a firm warning from Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, underscoring the fragile state of bilateral ties. Sharif’s appeal suggests a willingness to shift from confrontation to diplomacy, though the path forward remains uncertain.
