Kashmir at the Heart of South Asia’s Tensions, Warns Pakistani PM

In the conversation, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance that the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains at the heart of instability in South Asia.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned India’s recent unprovoked aggression along the border that resulted in the martyrdom of innocent Pakistani civilians, including women and children. His remarks came during a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, where he discussed regional security and the ongoing tensions with India.

In the conversation, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance that the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains at the heart of instability in South Asia. He emphasized that peace in the region cannot be achieved without a just resolution of the Kashmir issue, in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Iran for its sincere and brotherly diplomatic efforts aimed at defusing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. He lauded the Iranian leadership’s balanced approach and their consistent support for peace in the region.

Highlighting Pakistan’s measured but firm response to Indian provocations, Shehbaz Sharif noted that the valiant Armed Forces of Pakistan gave a responsible yet forceful reply, demonstrating restraint while defending the country’s sovereignty. “Our forces acted with professionalism and resolve, sending a clear message that aggression will not go unanswered,” he stated.

Despite the provocations, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and its adherence to the ceasefire understanding with India. “We desire peace, not war. It was in this spirit that we agreed to the ceasefire arrangement with India,” he said, adding that Pakistan would continue to uphold its commitment as long as it was reciprocated.

However, the Prime Minister raised serious alarm over India’s recent moves to unilaterally suspend or challenge the Indus Waters Treaty—a vital bilateral agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960. Terming this action as unlawful and provocative, Shehbaz said it represented a “red line” for Pakistan.

He emphasized that any disruption to the treaty, which governs the use of key rivers flowing into Pakistan, would endanger the lives and livelihoods of over 240 million people, calling it a matter of national security and human survival. “These waters are the lifeline of our agriculture, economy, and food security. We will not allow any tampering with this essential treaty,” he warned.

The Prime Minister also reiterated Pakistan’s firm resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs, urging the international community, especially the United Nations and global powers, to take note of India’s escalating actions and its threats to regional peace.