Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has outlined the key issues that will dominate the agenda if talks between Pakistan and India resume. In an interview with Geo News, Asif emphasized that the discussions would primarily address three longstanding concerns: Kashmir, terrorism, and water resources.
Asif underscored the significance of addressing these issues, pointing out that terrorism has plagued the region for decades, with Pakistan being the largest victim of cross-border terrorism. He stressed that this moment presents a unique opportunity for both nations to resolve the Kashmir conflict, a matter that has been at the core of multiple wars and ongoing tensions for over 76 years.
“Pakistan has suffered greatly from terrorism, and this is a golden opportunity for both countries to resolve the issue once and for all. The Kashmir dispute has been a flashpoint for most of the wars between India and Pakistan, and now, with international support, we have a chance to tackle it,” Asif said.
He also mentioned that US President Donald Trump had raised the Kashmir issue, which he considered a breakthrough. “Trump’s involvement in this matter has marked a historic turning point. He has made it clear that Kashmir must be part of the dialogue,” Asif added.
Regarding terrorism, the Defence minister called it a “cruel irony” that Pakistan, the biggest victim of terrorism, is often blamed for it. He highlighted Pakistan’s military response to recent provocations, describing the country’s forces as a powerful deterrent. “Our response to India’s actions showed our military readiness. The pain felt in India after our response has been evident in their media, military briefings, and political discourse,” he remarked. “Pakistan has shown both restraint and strength, and the world now knows our forces’ capabilities.”
On the water dispute, Asif reaffirmed that the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan remains an integral agreement that cannot be suspended. He emphasized that India’s attempts to disrupt the treaty should not go unchecked.
Pakistan’s recent military actions, particularly the launch of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, which led to the downing of five Indian fighter jets and the interception of 77 drones, demonstrated Pakistan’s preparedness and military strength. Asif noted that the military’s successful response had left India with significant losses and highlighted that only Israel stood by India, with no other nation supporting India’s aggressive actions.
Ceasefire Agreement Between India and Pakistan
In a diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and India agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire on May 11 after days of intense military exchanges. The announcement, initially made by US President Trump, was later confirmed by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This ceasefire came after a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. India blamed Pakistan-based elements without providing evidence, a claim that Islamabad strongly rejected. In response to India’s provocative actions, Pakistan launched retaliatory operations, including Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, and downed five Indian jets, including Rafales.
The ceasefire announcement followed intense diplomatic efforts, particularly by the US, with senior officials from both countries engaging in backchannel talks. Despite the ceasefire, both sides reported allegations of violations, underscoring the fragile nature of the peace agreement.
This moment represents a critical opportunity for both nations to address the key issues, with Pakistan calling for a peaceful resolution to Kashmir, improved counterterrorism cooperation, and protection of water resources under international frameworks.
