Pakistan’s Call for Dialogue: Sharif Seeks to Settle Disputes with India

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made a significant appeal for dialogue with India during a joint press conference in Tehran with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to resolve all disputes, including Kashmir, terrorism, water sharing, and trade, through negotiations. The statement, part of his four-nation tour, follows heightened tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26, and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor on May 7. Sharif’s call for talks, backed by Iran’s mediation, reflects a push to de-escalate bilateral hostilities.

Had a cordial and warm meeting with President Pezeshkian @drpezeshkian
I thanked Iran for the visit of their Foreign Minister and expressions of concern over recent developments in South Asia. I reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation with… pic.twitter.com/jUPhDO5rbc

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 26, 2025

Context of Escalating Tensions

The Pahalgam attack, targeting tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, prompted India’s Operation Sindoor, which destroyed 11 terror camps in Pakistan, escalating tensions. Pakistan’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and threats of nuclear retaliation further strained relations. Sharif’s Tehran remarks signal a shift, acknowledging Iran’s role in brokering a ceasefire. He praised Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s mediation, noting, “We want peace, but Pakistan will respond firmly if provoked.” The call for dialogue comes amid domestic pressure in Pakistan, with economic challenges and public unrest over military losses, as seen in X posts criticizing Sharif’s government for seeking talks after the operation’s fallout.

Global and Domestic Reactions

Sharif’s overture has sparked mixed responses. In India, BJP leaders like Rajnath Singh dismissed it as a “tactical retreat,” demanding concrete action against terrorism. On X, Indian users expressed skepticism, citing Pakistan’s history of supporting cross-border attacks. Iran’s support for dialogue, echoed by UAE’s Sheikh Mohamed, adds diplomatic weight, with Tehran proposing a neutral venue for talks. In Pakistan, opposition parties criticized Sharif’s “weak stance,” while supporters urged peace to stabilize the economy. As India prepares for Modi’s response, Sharif’s push for negotiations highlights a critical juncture, balancing peace aspirations with the risk of renewed conflict.