ISLAMABAD: In a bid to promote valuable engagement and regional development, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his country’s willingness to engage in talks with neighbouring India to resolve bilateral issues through negotiations. Despite a history of strained ties, marred by three wars since independence, PM Shehbaz highlighted the importance of serious dialogue and peaceful resolutions between the two neighbouring countries.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Pakistan Minerals Summit in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz acknowledged the serious impact on bilateral relations since India’s decision to revoke the special status of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in August 2019, which led to a virtual standstill in diplomatic interactions between the two countries.
براہِ راست – اسلام آباد: وزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف کا منرل سمٹ کی تقریب سے خطاب https://t.co/Ff2Bh8hEZV
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 1, 2023
“We are prepared to talk with everyone, even with our neighbour, provided that the neighbour is serious to discuss matters on the table because war is no longer an option,” stated the Prime Minister. He stressed that Pakistan is a nuclear power for defense purposes, not as an aggressor, and emphasized the need to avoid nuclear flashpoints and seek economic competition for regional progress.
Peaceful Resolution of Issues Between Pakistan and India
The premier underscored that past wars with India resulted in increased poverty, unemployment, and lack of resources for essential sectors like education and healthcare. He called for both nations to understand and address their serious issues through peaceful and meaningful discussions.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of working with the United States and China for Pakistan’s development. He expressed a desire to establish relations with the US based on mutual respect and trust, focusing on utilizing available opportunities for the benefit of both countries and their people.
PM Shehbaz urged untiring efforts and hard work to realize the dreams of Pakistan’s forefathers and steer the nation towards development and prosperity. He emphasized that converting speeches and presentations at the summit into actionable plans could lead Pakistan back to its past glory.
The Pakistan Minerals Summit, attended by national and foreign dignitaries, aimed to increase Foreign Direct Investment in the country and transition from ‘Dust to Development’. During the occasion, State Minister for Petroleum, Dr. Musadik Malik, extended an invitation to foreign investors to invest in various sectors of Pakistan, particularly in minerals and mining.
