Pakistan Calls for Peace with India but Denies Involvement in Deadly Pahalgam Terror Attack

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that his country is open to peaceful relations with all its neighbours, including India. His remarks came shortly after Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar pointed to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, and highlighted the serious challenges posed by terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

Concerns Over Rising Tensions

Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers’ meeting held in Tianjin, China, Dar mentioned that the past few months have seen troubling developments in the South Asian region. He criticized India for blaming Pakistan for the Pahalgam incident without what he called solid proof or a proper investigation. Dar warned that such accusations risk pushing both countries, which possess nuclear weapons, dangerously close to open conflict.

India's Response to Pahalgam Attack

India had earlier identified those responsible for the April attack in Pahalgam as being linked to groups based in Pakistan. Following this, New Delhi launched Operation Sindoor in May, targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was seen as a direct response to the attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. In its diplomatic efforts, India shared details of the attackers with several other countries.

Calls for Dialogue, Ceasefire Commitment

Despite the tensions, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the ceasefire agreement reached on May 10, following four days of military activity along the border, including drone and missile exchanges. He emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through peaceful dialogue, not force or threats.

"We believe all disputes can be resolved through diplomatic efforts," Dar said, urging for cooperation in fighting terrorism globally. He added that all acts of terrorism—including those by states—should be condemned and addressed collectively.

India’s Firm Stand on Terrorism

India has stated that any future talks with Pakistan will focus solely on terrorism. New Delhi maintains that terrorism has become part of Pakistan’s state strategy against India.

The SCO meeting was attended by ten member nations, including India, China, Russia, and Pakistan, with China currently holding the chairmanship.