Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has signaled Islamabad’s willingness to enter comprehensive talks with India, calling for a structured dialogue to resolve longstanding disputes and promote regional stability.
Speaking at a press conference following a cabinet meeting, Dar stressed the need for peace and cooperation between Pakistan and India to advance South Asian progress. Pakistan remains open to engaging in meaningful, result-oriented dialogue on all outstanding issues related to Jammu and Kashmir – with comprehensive talks being the only sustainable path forward, according to him.
Dar emphasized Pakistan’s history of engagement and negotiations, stressing that Islamabad welcomes discussions on any matter ranging from security and trade agreements, cultural exchanges and people-to-people exchanges if these discussions are substantive rather than symbolic.
Dar noted that war and hostility serve no one’s interests, calling on both countries to move from confrontation towards cooperation in order to address shared challenges such as climate change mitigation, poverty alleviation, and economic development.
Pakistan Reiterates Longstanding Stand on Kashmir Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-held stance that Kashmir remains at the core of any dispute, calling upon India to restore rights of Kashmiris and engage in dialogue that addresses their aspirations. Dar asserted that peace in South Asia requires peace in Srinagar: A just and peaceful resolution of Jammu and Kashmir issue consistent with UN resolutions as well as people wishes is indispensable,” according to Dar.
Dar also voiced her displeasure with recent restrictions imposed in Indian-administered Kashmir by New Delhi and called on it to loosen political activity restrictions and restore civil liberties.
India’s Place and Regional Context
India has traditionally held that dialogue with Pakistan can only proceed after Islamabad takes steps against cross-border militant activity, insisting that “terror and talks cannot coexist,” while Islamabad insisted dialogue should not be conditional upon certain preconditions being fulfilled first.
At a time of rising tensions in the region, including periodic ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), both countries reaffirmed a ceasefire agreement in 2021 that has held relatively firm but remains fragile.
Observers suggest Dar’s statement may have been intended to open space for diplomacy amid mounting international calls for South Asia’s nuclear neighbors to lower tensions. The United States, China and the UN have all repeatedly encouraged Islamabad and New Delhi to engage in constructive dialogue.
Economic and Trade Prospects in 2016 and Beyond
Dar also stressed the economic potential of improved bilateral ties, noting that expanded trade and connectivity could deliver substantial benefits to both nations. South Asia remains one of the least integrated regions worldwide; by opening channels for trade, tourism and investment between Pakistan and India they could unlock vast opportunities for their people, according to Dar.
Looking Ahead
Although no formal talks have yet taken place, Dar’s remarks represent one of the clearest signals yet from Pakistan to New Delhi that they wish to renew dialogue. How the statement will be received remains to be seen, but analysts speculate it could mark an opening for renewed diplomacy between both nations.
Islamabad has now placed the ball firmly in India’s court. Dar has described this choice as being either hostile and suspicious or open dialogue for a better future.