Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says Islamabad is ready to hold talks with India to resolve all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.
In a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Islamabad is prepared to engage in dialogue with India to resolve all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute. The conference took place on Monday, 26 May 2025, during Sharif’s official visit to Tehran.
According to Geo News, Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s desire for regional peace and stability, noting that dialogue is essential for progress in South Asia. “We seek peace and are ready to resolve all differences, including the issue of Kashmir, through talks,” he said.
Sharif described Pakistan as a peace-loving nation aiming for regional cooperation and harmony. However, he warned that any form of aggression would be met with a firm and effective response, reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on national sovereignty and security.
The Pakistani Prime Minister’s remarks come as part of a broader regional tour. His trip began with a visit to Turkey and now includes stops in Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan. The visits reflect Islamabad’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with neighboring and regional states.
During his meeting with President Pezeshkian, the two leaders also discussed economic cooperation, energy partnerships, and border security issues. Both sides expressed a commitment to deepening bilateral relations amidst a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape in the region.
Sharif’s readiness to engage in dialogue with India signals a potential diplomatic opening in one of South Asia’s longest-running conflicts. However, the Kashmir issue remains deeply complex, and any progress would require mutual goodwill, confidence-building measures, and sustained engagement from both sides.
As regional powers like Iran, Turkey, and Central Asian countries strengthen ties with Islamabad, Pakistan’s active diplomacy could play a crucial role in shaping future dialogue frameworks in South Asia. Whether this leads to substantive talks with India remains to be seen.
