Pakistan Seeks Dialogue with India, Stresses Kashmir Resolution

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Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reiterated Islamabad’s readiness to engage in a composite dialogue with India to resolve longstanding disputes. Speaking at a news conference in New York on 29 July 2025, Dar stated that durable peace in South Asia depends on a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions. He emphasised that any meaningful dialogue must address a broad spectrum of issues and not be confined solely to terrorism, a topic India frequently prioritises.

Dar also underlined Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, noting that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had acknowledged these during a recent bilateral meeting. He said the Kashmir dispute featured prominently in the discussions, reflecting its central role in regional stability. Additionally, Dar praised Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for his leadership during the recent military standoff with India. That confrontation, which escalated following an April militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, was halted with the help of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on 10 May 2025.

The ceasefire, extended via military-to-military communication until 18 May, helped stabilise the situation following India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on 23 April 2025. Pakistan strongly condemned the move and warned that any attempt to alter the water flow under the treaty would be considered a breach of international law. Dar reaffirmed that the IWT remains a binding agreement and that its terms must be respected to prevent further escalation.

Pakistan’s outreach signals a broader diplomatic strategy aimed at de-escalation while addressing fundamental issues. Dar highlighted Islamabad’s engagement with regional neighbours, including Afghanistan and Iran, as part of efforts to strengthen economic and security ties. His remarks reflect Pakistan’s long-held stance that peace in the region requires a fair resolution of the Kashmir dispute, aligned with international legal frameworks and the aspirations of the Kashmiri population.

While the recent ceasefire reduced immediate tensions, core disagreements remain unresolved. Dar’s call for dialogue is intended to reframe the bilateral agenda, urging India to move beyond a security-focused approach and toward comprehensive negotiations. The diplomatic overture underscores Pakistan’s intention to pursue regional stability through multilateral engagement and principled negotiation.