Pakistan Engaged in Constructive Dialogue with India: FM Ishaq Dar
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar assured the National Assembly on Wednesday that Pakistan is actively involved in “constructive” discussions with India, with the aim of resolving key bilateral issues, including the long-standing Kashmir dispute.
Addressing members during a session, Dar highlighted that despite the challenges in the relationship between the two nations, Pakistan has consistently approached the dialogue process with a responsible attitude. He emphasized that the ongoing negotiations are critical to addressing unresolved matters, particularly the issue of Kashmir, which remains a significant point of contention.
“Pakistan has always acted responsibly in the face of difficulties in bilateral ties,” Dar said. He further stressed that the cessation of hostilities along the Line of Control (LoC) has been maintained, demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment to peace despite ongoing challenges.
Regarding India’s actions in Kashmir, Dar called on India to foster a more conducive environment for dialogue, acknowledging that India’s “illegal occupation” of the region continues to pose a barrier to meaningful negotiations.
In addition to the ongoing talks with India, Dar also discussed Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan. He reiterated that diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan is a priority for Pakistan but pointed out that the presence of terrorist groups using Afghan soil presents a significant hurdle. He remarked, “Efforts to resolve this issue have not yet yielded concrete results.”
Dar also highlighted the renewal of the Kartarpur Corridor agreement between Pakistan and India, which was extended for another five years in October 2024. The corridor, which allows Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit the holy Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, is seen as a positive step in fostering people-to-people ties between the two countries.
As Pakistan continues to push for dialogue and cooperation, the foreign minister’s comments underscore the government’s determination to address critical regional issues through diplomatic means.
