During an official visit to Iran, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that his country is open to peace talks with India, but added a significant condition—India must not act as an “aggressor.” Speaking in Tehran, Sharif emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving longstanding disputes between the two nations, including the contentious Kashmir issue.
Sharif underscored that peaceful relations between India and Pakistan could contribute greatly to regional stability and economic prosperity. However, he cautioned that Pakistan’s willingness to engage in talks should not be interpreted as weakness and reiterated that any dialogue must be based on mutual respect and equality.
His comments mark a shift in tone, signaling a conditional openness to diplomacy amid historically strained ties. The statement comes at a time when both countries face internal and external pressures, and regional stakeholders continue to advocate for de-escalation.
Sharif’s remarks were made during meetings with Iranian leaders, where broader discussions on regional cooperation and security were held. While no formal diplomatic outreach to India has yet followed, his comments suggest Pakistan may be positioning itself for future engagement—provided India responds with a reciprocal approach
