LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that lasting peace and stable relations between Pakistan and India cannot be achieved without resolving the Kashmir dispute.
Speaking at an Overseas Pakistanis Convention in London, the prime minister criticised India’s current stance and called on New Delhi to act as a cooperative neighbour rather than an adversarial one.
“Anyone who thinks Pakistan and India can build relations without addressing the Kashmir issue is living in a fool’s paradise,” the premier said.
PM Sharif stressed that Pakistan is open to dialogue with India — but only on the basis of equality. He also lamented the billions spent by both countries on wars, suggesting that these resources could have been better used for development and public welfare.
“Pakistan and India are neighbours and must learn to coexist peacefully. However, let me be clear: normalisation of ties is impossible without a just resolution of the Kashmir issue. The sacrifices of the Kashmiri people will not be forgotten,” he asserted.
Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the expatriate community on Pakistan’s recent military success against India during the “Marka-e-Haq” and “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos” following the Pahalgam incident.
The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan had offered to form an international committee to investigate the incident, but India refused and instead targeted civilians inside Pakistan.
He said Pakistan had no choice but to respond, and Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian fighter jets in retaliation.
PM Sharif praised the leadership of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for leading the Marka-e-Haq.
Contributions of Overseas Pakistanis
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the contributions of overseas Pakistanis, especially those living in the United Kingdom, describing them as a vital pillar of the country’s economy.
He highlighted that overseas Pakistanis have sent home a remarkable $48.5 billion in remittances this year alone, playing a crucial role in supporting Pakistan’s financial stability.
The prime minister also assured the audience of the government’s firm commitment to protecting the rights and interests of overseas Pakistanis, adding that their concerns will continue to be voiced at international platforms.
Israeli ‘aggression’
The Prime Minister strongly condemned Israeli aggression against Palestinians, stating that more than 64,000 civilians have been killed, while access to food, water, and medical supplies has been deliberately cut off.
The Prime Minister urged the Muslim Ummah to play an active role in promoting peace in the Middle East.
