Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized that normalising relations with India is impossible without resolving the longstanding Kashmir dispute, linking it directly to broader regional stability and peace. Speaking to the overseas Pakistani community in London, he stressed that India must actively work toward peace in Kashmir, asserting that the lives lost in the conflict “will not go in vain.” He cautioned that any expectation of normal ties without addressing the issue is unrealistic, describing it as a “fool’s paradise.” Sharif highlighted the heavy costs of the four wars fought between the two neighbours, noting that billions of dollars were spent on conflict instead of development and prosperity for the people of Pakistan. He accused India of adopting a combative stance rather than acting as a cooperative neighbour, while urging for a relationship based on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Turning to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Sharif drew attention to the war between Israel and Hamas, stating that over 64,000 people had lost their lives and that civilians were living in famine-like conditions, unable to access food or earn a livelihood. By linking Kashmir and Gaza in his speech, Sharif aimed to frame both issues as matters requiring international attention and humanitarian concern.
Sharif’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which led to a series of diplomatic reprisals from Islamabad. Relations further deteriorated after India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, a four-day military strike targeting key camps of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, resulting in the deaths of over 100 militants. During this operation, several Pakistani military bases were also targeted before a ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10.
India has maintained a firm stance, emphasizing that terrorism and dialogue cannot coexist, and consequently suspended the Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan takes verifiable steps against cross-border terrorism. Pakistan has sought the reinstatement of the treaty, but India has not responded, keeping tensions high as Sharif simultaneously calls for dialogue, peace, and a resolution to Kashmir.
