Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to engage in comprehensive dialogue with India on all outstanding bilateral issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, the Indus Water Treaty, trade, and counter-terrorism.
He conveyed this during a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to a statement posted by state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) on X.
Sharif emphasised that peace in South Asia depends on “meaningful dialogue” and praised US efforts to ease regional tensions. The conversation was described as “warm and cordial” by PTV. During the call, the Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to US President Donald Trump, lauding his bold leadership.
He also appreciated Secretary Rubio’s proactive diplomacy, stating it had “played a pivotal role in helping Pakistan and India arrive at a ceasefire understanding.”
Sharif added that President Trump’s positive statements about Pakistan are encouraging signs of lasting peace in South Asia, which, he stressed, “can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue between Pakistan and India.”
“In this context, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to talk with India on all outstanding issues, including Jammu & Kashmir, the Indus Water Treaty, trade and counter-terrorism,” the state-run PTV said.
India has made it clear that it will only have a dialogue with Pakistan on the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the issue of terrorism.
The situation in the Middle East, particularly the Iran-Israel crisis, was also discussed, where the Prime Minister emphasised the need to find a peaceful resolution to this grave crisis, through dialogue and diplomacy.
He said Pakistan is ready to play a constructive role in any effort for peace in the current situation, which is deeply worrying, not only for the region but for the entire world.
Recalling President Trump’s emphasis on trade, Sharif underscored the need for Pakistan and the United States to collaborate in fostering mutually beneficial partnerships across diverse sectors — including trade, investment, energy, mining, rare earth minerals, and information technology. On the security front, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to combat terrorism nationwide, with particular focus on eliminating threats posed by militant groups.
Rubio commended Pakistan’s counter-terrorism initiatives and reaffirmed the United States’ full support in addressing shared security threats, according to the channel. He also welcomed Pakistan’s commitment to the ceasefire understanding with India and its continued efforts to promote peace across the region.
With inputs from PTI
