Sharif Pushes Dialogue After Deadly Kashmir Crisis

Following a deadly escalation between India and Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which led to retaliatory strikes and dozens of casualties, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif renewed calls for comprehensive dialogue with India on Kashmir, water, terrorism, and trade. Sharif's diplomatic efforts included participation in the Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit and visits to Iran and Azerbaijan, where he emphasized Pakistan's commitment to peace. India, however, has insisted that talks focus solely on terrorism and the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The crisis has led to the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and a halt in bilateral trade. Pakistan is also sending diplomatic delegations to major world capitals to present its case. While regional and international actors urge de-escalation, substantive progress between India and Pakistan remains unlikely.