LACHIN, Wednesday, May 28, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to regional peace, offering dialogue with India on all bilateral issues—provided New Delhi demonstrates sincerity and cooperation.

Addressing the Second Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit in Lachin, Azerbaijan, the Prime Minister emphasized that sustainable peace in South Asia hinges on meaningful dialogue and mutual respect. He particularly stressed the urgent need for resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

“The region can no longer afford prolonged hostilities. Pakistan is ready to sit across the table and resolve all outstanding matters, including Kashmir, if India approaches with sincerity of purpose,” the premier asserted in a live address broadcast by national television networks.

Referring to India’s recent military aggression and the April 22 incident in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed, PM Shehbaz condemned New Delhi’s baseless allegations against Pakistan.

“We offered an impartial international investigation, but instead, India launched an unjustified attack that martyred 36 innocent Pakistanis, including children. We had no choice but to respond in defense of our sovereignty,” he said.

The Prime Minister detailed Pakistan’s defensive military action, which included downing six Indian fighter jets—four of them Rafales—and causing substantial damage to Indian military installations. He praised the Armed Forces’ swift and calibrated response, particularly the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Pakistan Air Force.

“At 9:00 a.m., Field Marshal Asim Munir informed me that India had requested a ceasefire. I told him, ‘We have emerged victorious by Allah’s grace. Now, let us act with wisdom and restraint,’” the Prime Minister recalled.

PM Shehbaz also expressed deep concern over India’s attempts to weaponize the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as an existential threat to Pakistan’s 240 million people who rely on the waters for agriculture and daily life.

“This treaty is not just about water; it’s about life. Any threat to it is unacceptable, and we are taking necessary measures to ensure India never acts upon such dangerous rhetoric,” he vowed.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to engage in meaningful talks on counterterrorism, highlighting the country’s sacrifices—over 90,000 lives lost and \$150 billion in economic damage—while fighting terrorism over the past decades.

“No country has suffered more than Pakistan in the global war against terror. Our actions speak louder than words in our commitment to root out this menace,” he said.

The Prime Minister lauded Field Marshal Asim Munir’s leadership during the conflict, describing him as “God-fearing, fearless, and resolute.” He noted that the Pakistani nation stood united behind its armed forces in defending the homeland with valor and professionalism.

The summit also marked the strengthening of trilateral cooperation among Pakistan, Turkiye, and Azerbaijan. In his address at Azerbaijan’s Independence Day ceremony, PM Shehbaz described the bond among the three nations as “three souls, one heart,” and paid rich tribute to the Azerbaijani people for liberating Karabakh under President Ilham Aliyev’s “visionary leadership.”

“It is a great honor to be in Lachin, celebrating Azerbaijan’s Independence Day and Pakistan’s Youm-e-Takbeer — the day we became a nuclear power. The symbolism of May 28 unites our histories and futures,” he said.

He also extended heartfelt congratulations to President Aliyev and the Azerbaijani people, stating that the fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan is based on shared history, mutual trust, and unwavering solidarity.

“When Armenia attacked Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkiye stood by them. Today, when India attacked Pakistan, Presidents Erdogan and Aliyev stood by us. This is the essence of true brotherhood,” PM Shehbaz said.

The Prime Minister strongly condemned the continued human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and in Gaza.

“Kashmir is soaked in the blood of innocent freedom fighters. Despite oppression, the Kashmiri people remain steadfast in their struggle for self-determination,” he said.

He also decried the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, where over 52,000 Palestinians—children, women, and elderly—have been martyred.

“The bloodshed in Gaza has shocked the conscience of humanity. We salute President Erdogan for being the voice of the oppressed. Let us unite our voices to demand a ceasefire and justice,” he urged the global community.

PM Shehbaz concluded his address by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional cooperation and prosperity.

“Our flags today fly high—symbols of unity, resilience, and shared destiny. Whether it’s Karabakh, Kashmir, or Gaza—we stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters,” he said.

Earlier, upon arrival in Lachin, PM Shehbaz was warmly received by Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Pakistan’s Ambassador Qasim Mohiuddin, and senior Azerbaijani officials. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and SAPM Tariq Fatemi.

On his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to President Aliyev for Azerbaijan’s firm support during the recent conflict with India and reaffirmed the resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation in all sectors.

“Long live Pakistan-Azerbaijan friendship,” he wrote, concluding with a message of enduring solidarity.