LACHIN, AZERBAIJAN — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to engage in dialogue with India on key regional issues, including the Kashmir dispute and counterterrorism, emphasising that New Delhi must demonstrate sincere intent for such talks to succeed.
Speaking at the Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit in Lachin, alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, PM Shehbaz underlined Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
“I have said in all humility that we want peace in the region, and that requires dialogue on pressing issues such as Kashmir, based on United Nations and Security Council resolutions and following the aspirations of the Kashmiri people,” the premier said.
On the issue of terrorism, PM Shehbaz expressed willingness to hold constructive discussions with India, noting that Pakistan remains one of the world’s worst-affected victims of terrorism, having lost over 90,000 lives and suffered economic losses exceeding $150 billion over several decades.
“If India genuinely wants to discuss counterterrorism with sincerity of purpose, Pakistan is willing to cooperate,” he stated, also expressing openness to resuming trade ties with India under mutually respectful conditions.
Addressing the summit, the prime minister also criticised India’s move to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it an attempt to “weaponise water” against Pakistan’s 240 million citizens. “It is unfortunate and unacceptable. We are taking all necessary measures to prevent any such threat,” he affirmed.
Highlighting the significance of unity among the three nations, PM Shehbaz said the trilateral alliance represents “compassion over conflict” and a joint commitment to peace. He lauded the unwavering support from Turkiye and Azerbaijan during Pakistan’s recent standoff with India, which he described as “Indian aggression without rhyme or reason.”
He praised President Erdogan for his firm stand and President Aliyev for his enduring commitment, both of which earned deep appreciation from the Pakistani government and people. PM Shehbaz also commended Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for his “bravery, professionalism, and iron resolve” during the crisis.
Reflecting on historical and cultural ties, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised that the trilateral relationship is built on centuries of mutual respect and shared values. He recalled the previous discussions held at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and expressed hope for advancing cooperation among the three countries in strategic areas.
The summit also saw President Erdogan reaffirm Turkiye’s readiness to mediate between India and Pakistan, stating: “We hope that the declared ceasefire will evolve into permanent peace. Turkiye is ready to make every possible contribution to this end.”
Erdogan underscored the importance of solidarity and strategic cooperation among the three nations, whose combined economic strength exceeds $1.5 trillion. He emphasised collaboration in trade, defence, energy, education, and food security, while condemning Israel’s actions in Palestine as a crisis of the global order.
President Aliyev expressed concern over recent India-Pakistan tensions and reiterated Azerbaijan’s support for dialogue under the UN Charter. He highlighted future collaboration in AI, space technology, academia, and tourism, and expressed appreciation for Turkiye and Pakistan’s support for Azerbaijan’s full membership in the D-8 group.
On the sidelines of the summit, COAS Syed Asim Munir met Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister, Colonel General Hasanov Zakir Asgar Oglu, to discuss regional security and deepening defence cooperation. COAS Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong bilateral ties with Azerbaijan.
Earlier in the day, PM Shehbaz extended Independence Day greetings to Azerbaijan via social media, praising President Aliyev’s leadership and expressing confidence in the continued growth of bilateral relations.
The prime minister’s visit to Azerbaijan marks the third leg of his four-nation tour, following stops in Turkiye and Iran. He is scheduled to travel to Tajikistan to attend the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe.
In a bilateral meeting with President Aliyev a day earlier, PM Shehbaz thanked Azerbaijan for its “steadfast support during the recent confrontation with India” and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to expanding their strategic partnership. Azerbaijan also agreed to advance discussions on investment projects in Pakistan through the exchange of delegations.