- Premier Shehbaz says Pakistan always wants to discuss all bilateral issues with India at negotiation table if India shows sincerity of purpose and cooperation
- Criticizes India’s alleged efforts to manipulate Indus Water Treaty, describing it as a threat to 240 million Pakistanis
- This is a fact of life that we are the biggest victims of terrorism around the globe: PM
- Hopes trilateral summit would elevate cooperation among Pakistan, Turkiye and Azerbaijan
LACHIN/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to hold talks with India to resolve outstanding disputes, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir, water and counterterrorism, emphasizing if New Delhi wanted the same “in all sincerity.”
“Pakistan always wants peace in the region and is willing to discuss all the bilateral issues with India at the negotiation table if India shows sincerity of purpose and cooperation.”
Premier Shehbaz He made the remarks while addressing the Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit held in Lachin, Azerbaijan, alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
During his speech, the premier emphasized the urgency of regional cooperation and the need to resolve disputes through dialogue. He stressed that Pakistan had always desired peace and was open to discussions with India, including on counterterrorism, provided New Delhi showed genuine intent.
PM Shehbaz also criticized India’s alleged efforts to manipulate the Indus Waters Treaty, describing them as a threat to the 240 million people of Pakistan who rely on the water supply.
He said India’s attempts to halt water flow were unacceptable and vowed that Islamabad would take all necessary steps to prevent it.
The premier also touched upon the issue of terrorism: “I have said in all earnest that if India wants to talk on countering terrorism in sincerity of purpose, Pakistan would be willing to talk to India on this issue as well.
“But this is a fact of life that we are the biggest victims of terrorism around the globe; we lost 90,000 valuable lives in Pakistan and $150 billion worth of economic losses over the last many decades,” he highlighted.
The prime minister also praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his leadership during the recent conflict with India. He described the army chief as firm, God-fearing, and resolute, and credited Pakistan’s military response with thwarting India’s aggression. He added that India failed to provide any credible evidence against Pakistan and ignored Islamabad’s call for a transparent investigation into the Pahalgam incident.
PM Shehbaz expressed hope that the trilateral summit would elevate cooperation among the three countries, noting that Pakistan, Turkiye, and Azerbaijan shared deep-rooted cultural and historical ties. He said these nations had always supported each other on international issues such as Nagorno-Karabakh, Kashmir, and Northern Cyprus. Their bond, he stated, was reflected in the solidarity shown by their people.
The prime minister also acknowledged the global challenges faced by countries today, including armed conflict, economic crises, and climate change. He said the summit was a symbol of compassion and unity and that wisdom and cooperation would lead the region toward peace and prosperity.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in his address, thanked Türkiye and Pakistan for their continued support and underlined the need for stronger ties between the three nations. He revealed that Azerbaijan planned to invest $2 billion in Pakistan’s economy through joint development projects. He called for enhanced cooperation in technology, academia, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
President Aliyev also noted that tensions between India and Pakistan were a cause of concern for Azerbaijan and affirmed support for peaceful resolution under the UN Charter. Turkish President Erdogan, meanwhile, extended congratulations to Azerbaijan on its Independence Day and called the trilateral ties an example of mutual trust and shared vision.
President Erdogan described his recent talks with PM Shehbaz in Istanbul as constructive and praised Pakistan’s leadership during the recent conflict with India. He reiterated Turkiye’s commitment to peace and urged joint efforts in economic and digital collaboration among the three countries. President Erdogan said the region must become a hub of peace and prosperity amid growing global threats.
The summit in Lachin was part of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s ongoing four-nation tour to thank friendly countries that supported Pakistan during the recent military escalation with India earlier in May. Before arriving in Azerbaijan, the prime minister had visited Iran and Türkiye. He will next head to Tajikistan for attending an international conference.
On Tuesday, PM Shehbaz held a bilateral meeting with President Aliyev, where both leaders reviewed the bilateral relations and pledged to strengthen cooperation in politics, defense, and culture. The premier also conveyed congratulations to the Azerbaijani people and acknowledged their support during the India-Pakistan crisis.
Also present during the visit were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. The Pakistan-India standoff began on May 7 with Indian strikes that killed 31 civilians in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
In response, Pakistan downed six Indian jets, including Rafales, and multiple drones. At least 11 Pakistani troops and 40 civilians were killed in the four-day conflict, which ended with a ceasefire on May 10. It was the worst escalation between the two sides in nearly three decades.
Following the ceasefire, Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts to counter Indian narratives and highlight its position on regional peace. Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is expected to lead a delegation abroad to brief international leaders and media on the crisis and Islamabad’s peace-focused approach.
