Shehbaz Sharif bats for 'path of peaceful negotiations' to address India-Pakistan tensions

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Pic/AFP

Amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the country's political leadership, including his coalition partners and opposition, for demonstrating "exemplary" unity and integrity during the four-day confrontation between Pakistani and Indian militaries, reported news agency PTI.

In an address to the nation late Saturday night, Sharif said the "path of peaceful negotiations" should be adopted to solve the longstanding issues between India and Pakistan, including the sharing of water resources, and the Kashmir issue.

India and Pakistan on Saturday reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with immediate effect.

Sharif said Pakistan has given a positive response to the understanding reached with India in the interest of regional peace.

Sharif also said Pakistan responded positively to international diplomatic efforts and expressed his gratitude to all friendly countries, including the leadership of the US, the UK, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in de-escalating India-Pakistan tensions, reported PTI.

Sharif especially mentioned the efforts and support of Pakistan's "time-tested" and trustworthy" friend China, which he said stood with Pakistan in "this hour of turbulence", reported PTI.

The Pakistani prime minister described the understanding with India as a success for the entire nation and the armed forces of Pakistan.

According to Radio Pakistan, he said the Pakistan military's "Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos", was successful and that India's actions were responded to in a professional manner, reported PTI.

"The nation and our armed forces proved that Pakistanis are a brave, self-possessing and prudent nation," he said, reported PTI.

Sharif said Pakistan offered to join a credible and transparent investigation into the Pahalgam attack, but New Delhi did not respond positively.

The Prime Minister congratulated the entire nation and armed forces for what he called a "victory".

Pak Defence Minister says major issues with India can be discussed in any future dialogue

Amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty and terrorism remain major issues with India and could be discussed in any future dialogue with the neighbouring country.

Asif's comments came when he was asked about tackling the pending issues with India following the understanding reached with India on Saturday to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with immediate effect.

Asif said major issues with India related to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), terrorism and Kashmir could be discussed in potential talks with India.

(With inputs from PTI)