Pakistan desires 'peaceful, comprehensive, and fruitful' dialogue, not war. This was the assertion made by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while addressing the United Nations. Simultaneously, he boldly claimed the destruction of seven Indian fighter jets. Curiously, he attributed the credit for the ceasefire to US President Donald Trump.
India initiated 'Operation Sindoor' in retaliation to the militant attack in Pahalgam. The military obliterated nine terrorist camps in Pakistan. Pakistan, in turn, launched a counterattack. During this period, India reportedly destroyed five fighter jets and a large military transport aircraft belonging to Sharif's country. On August 9, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh had made such claims.
However, Sharif insisted that Pakistan believes in resolving issues peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy. In the words of Pakistan's Prime Minister, "This is my proposal before the world. We stand ready for comprehensive and productive talks on all unresolved issues with India."
Bilateral talks between India and Pakistan commenced in 2003 during Pakistani Army Chief Pervez Musharraf's tenure. However, the entire process derailed following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Dubbing Trump as the 'messenger of peace', Sharif stated, 'In recognition of President Trump's contribution to establishing peace in this region, we have nominated him for the Nobel Prize. He is truly a messenger of peace.'
As usual, Sharif also broached the Kashmir issue. Strongly condemning terrorism, he said, "Pakistan is a victim of externally sponsored terrorism, particularly foreign instigation. There is no place for hate speech, discrimination, or violence against any individual or religion."
Last Thursday, Shehbaz had a closed-door meeting with Trump at the White House. He was accompanied by Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir. As the rift in India-US relations over tariff issues continues to widen, Washington is strengthening its ties with Pakistan. Trump, too, has referred to Sharif and Munir as 'Great Leaders'.
