ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Monday that any prospective talks between Pakistan and India would focus on three main issues: the Kashmir dispute, terrorism, and water-related matters.
Speaking to a private TV channel, the Defence Minister said, “If talks are held between two nuclear-armed neighbours, they will focus on Kashmir, terrorism, and water-related matters.”
Khawaja Asif stressed that terrorism, a threat Pakistan has faced for the past two to three decades, continues to be a significant challenge for the country.
The Defence Minister also highlighted that Pakistan remains the biggest victim of terrorism, emphasising the urgency of addressing this issue in future dialogue.
Highlighting the importance of resolving the Kashmir dispute, Khawaja Asif referred to it as a golden opportunity for both nations to address long-standing tensions.
“This is a golden opportunity for both Pakistan and India to resolve the Kashmir dispute,” the minister said.
The Defence Minister also mentioned US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on the Kashmir issue, recognising his call for its inclusion in discussions between Pakistan and India.
“Trump brought further attention to the Kashmir matter and suggested that it should be part of broader discussions,” Khawaja Asif noted.
Khawaja Asif criticised the irony of Pakistan being accused of terrorism despite being the country most affected by it, stating that the situation has become a bitter irony for Pakistan.
“It is ironic that the country most affected by terrorism is being blamed for it and even attacked,” the Defence Minister remarked.
Earlier, Pakistan appreciated US President Donald Trump’s willingness to support efforts aimed at the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, a longstanding issue that has serious implications for peace and security in South Asia and beyond.
In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance that any just and lasting settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and must ensure the realization of the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people, including their inalienable right to self-determination.
The spokesperson also appreciated the constructive role played by the United States, alongside other friendly states, in supporting the recent ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India.
The spokesperson said Pakistan remains committed to engaging with the United States and the international community in efforts to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the region.
He said we also look forward to deepening our multifaceted partnership with the United States, particularly in the areas of trade, investment and economic cooperation.
