Peace or Politics? Shahbaz Sharif Reaches Out to India with Conditions

International News: Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday shook the political atmosphere of South Asia by making an unexpected peace proposal. He said that Islamabad is ready to improve relations with India and start talks. He made this statement during his visit to Kamra Airbase in Punjab province, where he was accompanied by Pakistan's Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Army Chief General Asim Munir and Air Chief Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu.

'Kashmir card' hidden in peace proposal

However, there was a 'but' attached to this offer of Shahbaz Sharif. He made it clear that if there is to be a dialogue with India, then the Kashmir issue will have to be given priority in it. That is, nothing new was said apart from Pakistan's traditional line - Kashmir was once again made a condition for talks.

Equations changed after Operation 'Sindoor'

The background of this peace proposal is the recent military tension. In response to the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, the Indian Army launched 'Operation Sindoor', in which surgical strikes like actions were carried out on 9 terrorist bases in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). More than 100 terrorists were confirmed killed in this operation.

Pakistani attacks and India's retaliation

During this confrontation, drone and missile attacks were carried out from Pakistan, which were effectively responded to by the Indian air defense system. In retaliation, the Indian Army crossed the border and destroyed the terrorist launchpads.

May 10: When the guns fell silent

After four days of continuous military conflict, on May 10, both countries formally announced a ceasefire. This move came after the initiative of international mediators like the United Nations and the US. But this ceasefire rests on a very delicate balance.

India's stand: Terror and dialogue don't go together

There has been no formal response from New Delhi to Shahbaz Sharif's statement so far, but India's stand has always been clear — there is no dialogue until terrorism stops. The Pahalgam attack is proof that Pakistan-sponsored terrorism is still alive.

Can this be a new chapter?

It is too early to say whether Shahbaz Sharif's initiative is a political ploy or whether there is any real change coming in Pakistan. But this is the time for India to balance both cautious diplomacy and strong security policy simultaneously.

The peace signals coming from Islamabad cannot be ignored, but past experience shows that it is important to test the truth before trusting. India's priority is clear — a lasting and honest dialogue, without terrorism.