Diplomatic Push: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Signals Willingness for Dialogue with New Delhi

International News: Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that his country is ready for a comprehensive and respectful dialogue with India on all pending issues, including Jammu and Kashmir. He also added that Pakistan does not consider this initiative as a weakness, and neither will anyone be "begged" for talks. According to Dar, his government wants that old disputes should be resolved through dialogue.

India's blunt response

India responded to this statement in a tough manner. New Delhi has made it clear that any kind of dialogue with Pakistan will be limited to only two issues—first, the return of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), and second, control over terrorism. The Foreign Ministry says that as long as Pakistan continues to support and protect terrorist activities, normal dialogue is not possible.

Comprehensive talks started in 2003

Comprehensive talks between India and Pakistan started in the year 2003. At that time, General Pervez Musharraf was in power in Pakistan. Eight major sections were included in this initiative, which also included issues like Kashmir, terrorism, border disputes, trade, and cultural cooperation. However, after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, this process was completely disrupted, and till now the efforts to bring it back on track have not been successful.

Questions on Pakistan's situation and intentions

Experts believe that Pakistan is currently going through a deep economic crisis and its position is getting weaker at the international level. In such an environment, the offer of talks with India can be a strategic effort so that Pakistan can show itself as a peace-loving country. But given the contradictions in Pakistan's recent statements and its policies, doubts remain.

The way forward

India has made it clear many times that terrorism and dialogue cannot go together. The Modi government's stance seems to be more rigid than ever. In such a situation, even if the statement of Pakistan's foreign minister becomes a topic of discussion, but unless Pakistan takes concrete steps, the possibility of improvement in relations between the two countries is very low.