In a significant diplomatic gesture, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed the country’s willingness to engage in dialogue with India to resolve a host of long-standing disputes, including the Kashmir issue, water-sharing agreements, and bilateral trade. Sharif made these remarks during a joint press conference held in Tehran alongside Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
According to Pakistani media outlet Dawn, Sharif stated, “We are ready to talk, for the sake of peace on water issues with our neighbour.” He further emphasised Pakistan’s desire to foster improved trade relations and cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. “We are ready to talk to promote trade and also, counter-terrorism,” he said.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability, Sharif declared, “We wanted peace, we want peace and we will work for peace in the region through talks, on the table, and resolve our outstanding issues.” He added, “But if they accept my offer of peace, then we will show that we really want peace, seriously and sincerely.” Sharif’s comments came during his visit to Iran on Monday, following his trip to Turkiye. His ongoing diplomatic tour is scheduled to include subsequent visits to Tajikistan and Azerbaijan.
During the press conference, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian voiced Iran’s support for lasting peace in South Asia. According to Iranian state media agency IRNA, Pezeshkian called for constructive dialogue among regional nations to resolve disputes and promote lasting peace, including the tensions between India and Pakistan.
Tensions between the two South Asian neighbours intensified following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. In the aftermath of the attack, India took several measures in response, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty—a long-standing agreement that regulates the sharing of river waters between the two countries.
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The Indus Waters Treaty, originally signed in 1960, had functioned as a rare example of sustained bilateral cooperation even during periods of high tension. However, India placed the treaty into abeyance, citing Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had previously reiterated that the treaty would remain suspended until Pakistan demonstrates a credible and irreversible cessation of support for terrorism. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal echoed this stance, noting that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had made a decision on April 23 to keep the treaty in abeyance.
Jaiswal also highlighted the influence of changing circumstances on the treaty’s viability. “Please also note that climate change, demographic shifts and technological changes have created new realities on ground as well,” he said.
In a related move, India imposed a comprehensive ban on the import and transit of goods from Pakistan. As per a notification from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, this measure applies to all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, effectively bringing bilateral trade to a standstill.
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