Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan’s desire to resolve all outstanding issues with India through dialogue for the sake of regional peace.
Speaking at the second trilateral summit—between Pakistan, Turkiye and Azerbaijan—in Lachin, Azerbaijan, he said Pakistan had emerged victorious from recent tensions with India due to the blessings of Allah, the support of the people of Pakistan and friendly countries, and the resolute response of the armed forces. To achieve sustainable peace, he stressed, issues requiring urgent attention like the Kashmir dispute must be resolved according to relevant UNSC resolutions and as per the aspirations of the people of Kashmir.
Regretting that India had tried to weaponize the Indus Waters Treaty, he said this was an attack on the 240 million people of Pakistan, who relied on the water for agriculture, drinking and other purposes. “It is most unfortunate that India tried to threaten to stop the flow of water into Pakistan. This is not possible, this is never possible, and will not be possible Insha’Allah. We are making proper arrangements to ensure that India never ever does it,” he said.
To India’s repeated referring to terrorism, Sharif said Pakistan was willing to discuss the issue. “We are the biggest victim of terrorism around the globe and lost 90,000 valuable lives and suffered $150 billion worth of economic losses over the last many decades. There can be no bigger manifestation of our commitment and intention to beat this menace for all times to come,” he said, stressing India must commit to the dialogue with a sense of purpose.
Pakistan, said the premier, would also be willing to negotiate on trade with India.
Appreciating the role of Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir during the conflict with India, he said he had found him “God-fearing, fearless, firm with iron resolve, patient and fortified to face that aggression.” He regretted that India had yet to provide any credible evidence of its allegations against Pakistan, noting Delhi had rejected a sincere offer for a neutral and transparent investigation into the Pahalagam incident.
Azerbaijan’s Independence
In a separate address at the Independence Day Ceremony of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the prime minister called for unity, peace and justice in the region. Referring to Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye as “three souls and one heart,” he said it was a matter of great honor for him to attend the event, which shared a date with Pakistan becoming a nuclear power in 1998.
Congratulating the people of Azerbaijan on their independence, the premier emphasized the unwavering support provided by Pakistan and Turkiye during Azerbaijan’s struggle for territorial integrity. “When Armenia attacked Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkiye stood like a rock beside it … when India attacked Pakistan, President Erdogan and President Aliyev stood like a formidable fortress beside us. This is true brotherhood,” he said, as he reiterated details of the recent conflict.
During his address, the prime minister also referred to the situation in Kashmir. “The valley of Kashmir is red with the blood of freedom fighters. Despite tyranny and brutality, they stand firm in their pursuit of freedom—a right enshrined in U.N. Security Council resolutions,” he said, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support.
On Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, Sharif condemned the atrocities, noting over 52,000 Palestinians had been killed since 2023. “Their blood stains the streets of Gaza. There is no modern precedent to this level of brutality,” he said, urging the global community to awaken its conscience. Praising President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s vocal advocacy for the oppressed, he said all nations must come together to demand a ceasefire and justice for the people of Gaza.
On the trilateral meeting between Pakistan, Turkiye, and Azerbaijan, Sharif said it was “productive and inspiring.” He concluded his address with a call for regional unity and enduring friendship. “Our flags today flutter high—as emblems of unity, hope, and strength,” he said. “We will continue to stand with our brothers and sisters, whether in Karabakh, Kashmir, or Gaza. This is our shared commitment, our shared destiny,” he added.