- Envoy to US stresses along with adhering to ceasefire, it is crucial to resolve the core issue of Kashmir between Pakistan, India
- Appreciates continued efforts of US leadership in helping to de-escalate recent tensions
NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Ambassador to United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has stated that the core issue between Pakistan and India is Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and a peaceful resolution of this dispute is essential for lasting peace in South Asia.
In an interview with Turkish broadcaster TRT, the Ambassador said that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and prioritizes the interests of the region’s 1.6 billion people.
Ambassador Sheikh stressed that along with adhering to the ceasefire, it is crucial to resolve the core issue.
The unresolved Kashmir dispute is hurdle to every effort towards sustainable peace.
He said that Pakistan believes that peace is in everyone’s interest. The Ambassador affirmed that Pakistan is fully committed to responding firmly to any provocation or aggression.
He appreciated the continued efforts of the US leadership in helping to de-escalate recent tensions and noted that the United States has always played an active role in reducing conflict in the region. He also expressed gratitude for the efforts of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and other friendly nations.
Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said that the international community’s focus on the Kashmir issue, including the United States, presents a rare opportunity for a lasting solution. He said the growing global attention towards the Kashmir dispute is encouraging; however, sustained engagement and continuity are absolutely essential.
US timely intervention in facilitating ceasefire laudable
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to US Rizwan Saeed Sheikh appreciated the United States for timely intervention that facilitated a ceasefire and de-escalation between India and Pakistan.
He was talking to a delegation from the National Defence University comprising senior civilian and military officers, which called on him at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.
Interacting with the delegation, the Ambassador emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and the United States, which began with a letter from President Truman to Pakistan’s founder on August 15, 1947, expressing a desire for cordial ties.
Reflecting on the US-Pakistan partnership, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh highlighted its resilience over the past seven decades. He said Pakistan’s role as a frontline state in combating terrorism and addressing climate change, referencing the devastating 2022 floods that submerged one-third of the country.
The Ambassador stressed that the United States remained Pakistan’s largest trading partner, with significant potential for collaboration in critical minerals and agriculture.
Addressing recent tensions between Pakistan and India, he cautioned that the current ceasefire was fragile and urged continued international engagement, including from the United States, to address the underlying issues in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ambassador advocated for a standalone strategic partnership with the United States, rooted in mutual interests and Pakistan’s contributions to regional stability. He highlighted Pakistan’s youthful population and technological potential as key assets for future cooperation.
