'Ready to counter terrorism': Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif seeks talks with India again

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated his willingness to get into direct talks with India over all issues, including Kashmir, the Indus Water Treaty and terrorism.

His comments came during a visit to Iran’s capital, Tehran, where the prime minister arrived as part of his four-nation visit. While addressing a joint press conference with the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sharif said, “We want to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue and the water issue, through negotiations and are also ready to talk to our neighbour on trade and counter-terrorism.”

Sharif embarked on a four-nation trip this week to seek support from allied nations against India’s Operation Sindoor and the subsequent military conflict between the two countries. He met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul to thank him for his support during the cross-border fighting between India and Pakistan.

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‘Long live our friendship’

“Had the honour of meeting my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul this evening. Thanked him for his resolute support to Pakistan in the recent Pakistan-India standoff, which resulted in Pakistan’s overwhelming victory, Alhamdolillah! Conveyed the sentiments of gratitude from the people of Pakistan to their Turkish brothers and sisters,” Sharif said on X.

The prime minister said that the two countries reviewed bilateral trade and other key areas as Turkey reaffirmed its backing for Pakistan.

“We also reviewed the ongoing progress of our multifaceted bilateral engagements particularly in trade and investment and reaffirmed our resolve to continue working closely to further strengthen these unshakable bonds of brotherhood and cooperation. Long live Pakistan-Turkey Friendship,” Sharif added.

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‘Roti khao, warna meri goli khao’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning to Pakistan, saying that its people must choose between peace and the path of terrorism.

“The people of Pakistan will have to come forward to bring their country out of terrorism—either eat bread peacefully, or else my bullet is there,” PM Modi said.

“Pakistan was rattled after India’s response. They sent in drones to the regions along the border, including in Kutchh… The brave women of Kutchh defeated Pakistan’s propaganda when they repaired the Bhuj runway in 72 hours during the 1971 war… Those women came to me and blessed me and they also gifted me a sindoor plant. It will be planted in the PM House.”