- Premier Shehbaz says Pakistan favours talks with India on equal footing, but ties can’t move forward unless Kashmir issue is addressed
- Says Pakistan, India must coexist but peace hinges on Kashmir, hailing May 10 victory as proof of unity, bravery of armed forces
- Says military success, coupled with achievements on diplomatic and economic fronts, enhanced prestige of green passport globally
- Praises overseas Pakistanis for $38.5b remittances, calls them ‘ambassadors of the nation’
LONDON/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan and India, as neighbors, must coexist, but meaningful dialogue cannot take place without resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
Addressing an event organized by the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation in London, he reminded that the two countries had already fought four wars, costing billions of dollars that should have been invested in progress and prosperity of their peoples.
“Pakistan seeks talks with India on equal footing, but ties cannot move forward unless the Kashmir issue is addressed. The sacrifices of the Kashmiri people will never go in vain,” he vowed.
London: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses Overseas Pakistanis. pic.twitter.com/S7Vx8Kl8Ga
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 21, 2025
During the gathering, the prime minister praised overseas Pakistanis for their hard work and sacrifices, terming them “ambassadors of the country.” He recalled that last year, their remittances of $38.5 billion kept the national economy afloat. “No nation can rise without dedication and sincerity. Once we strengthen our economy and free ourselves from loans, the world will treat us with the respect it accords to leading economies,” he said.
On the recent conflict with India, the prime minister hailed the May 10 victory as a defining moment. He said after India’s aggression on May 6, which targeted civilian areas, Pakistan exercised its right of defense, shooting down six enemy fighter jets in one go. “That was a great triumph that taught the enemy a lesson it will never forget,” he said, adding that the unity of political and military leadership, the valour of the armed forces, and the prayers of 240 million Pakistanis brought victory in “Marka-e-Haq, Bunyanum Marsoos.”
He praised Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and Pakistan Air Force leadership for their professionalism, saying their actions set a historic precedent. He added that Pakistan’s military success, coupled with achievements on the diplomatic and economic fronts, had enhanced the prestige of the green passport globally. “Now, with a ceasefire in place, Pakistan wants peace, progress, prosperity, and an end to unemployment and poverty,” he said, reiterating that dialogue with India must include Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism issues.
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی لندن میں سمندر پار پاکستانیوں کی تقریب میں شرکت اور خطاب
“نوجوان ساتھیو، معزز مہمانانِ گرامی اور سمندر پار پاکستانیو! میرے لیے یہ بڑے اعزاز اور خوشی کی بات ہے کہ میں آج آپ کے سامنے موجود ہوں۔ آپ پاکستان کے وہ عظیم سفیر ہیں جو یورپ، برطانیہ، شمالی… pic.twitter.com/41JvYVQwm3
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 21, 2025
Expressing grief over the 64,000 deaths in Gaza, he urged the Islamic world and the international community to urgently intervene to end the humanitarian crisis.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of youth, who make up 60 percent of Pakistan’s population, describing them as both a challenge and an opportunity. “With IT training and modern knowledge, they will take the country forward. Nothing is impossible with unity and strong will,” he stressed.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in his address, said overseas Pakistanis were the country’s diplomats and a bridge with their host nations. He recalled that in 2022, Pakistan was on the verge of default, but “under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the economy turned around.” He highlighted falling inflation and interest rates and said Pakistan was no longer diplomatically isolated, having secured 182 votes for the UNSC non-permanent seat.
Dar added that Pakistan had defeated an enemy boasting of its regional military power, a “myth buried on May 10.” He also underscored climate change challenges, calling it “a matter of justice” for vulnerable nations like Pakistan.
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 21, 2025
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain praised the diaspora as a valuable national asset, while Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the government faced daunting economic challenges but had made significant strides. He credited overseas Pakistanis, particularly those in the Gulf, for sending over $38 billion remittances that served as the economy’s lifeline.
The Defence Minister also termed the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia defence agreement a landmark step, reflecting strong cooperation between civilian and military leadership in steering the country towards prosperity.
Chairman Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Qamar Raza lauded the Prime Minister’s personal involvement in addressing the issues of overseas Pakistanis.
The Prime Minister will depart London for New York today to attend the UN General Assembly, where he will deliver an address and participate in a special session on Gaza.
