In a speech to overseas Pakistanis in London, the prime minister stated that Pakistan wishes to engage in dialogue with India on contentious issues such as Kashmir, terrorism, water, and trade on the basis of equality. He emphasized that without resolving the Kashmir issue, which is key to regional peace, bilateral ties between the two countries cannot be established.
The prime minister said, “Anyone who is thinking otherwise is living in a fool’s paradise,” adding that Kashmiris would ultimately gain their right to self-determination and freedom. He also expressed his grief over the 64,000 deaths and the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging the Islamic world and the international community to act urgently.
He reiterated, “I have made this offer so many times in the past. We want to discuss Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism issues, not out of any weakness but on equal terms.” The prime minister, after his visit to Saudi Arabia, made a four-day stopover in London before departing for the US on Monday to attend the United Nations General Assembly conference.
He noted that a ceasefire had been achieved between Pakistan and India, and Pakistan now seeks peace, progress, and prosperity, along with an end to unemployment and poverty. He attributed the recent victory against India in an armed conflict to the unity and solidarity of the nation and pledged to guide the country towards progress.
The prime minister mentioned that after India’s baseless accusations regarding the Pahalgam incident, he had offered to have the event investigated by an international committee in a fair and transparent manner during his visit to Kakul, but India had not responded. He recalled that on May 6, aggression was unleashed against innocent civilians and civilian assets inside Pakistan, leading to casualties. In response, Pakistan, exercising its right to defense, shot down six enemy fighter jets, which he said made the enemy realize its precarious position.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar also addressed the gathering, calling overseas Pakistanis the country’s diplomats. He said that when the current government came to power in 2022, the country was on the verge of default, and international rating agencies were setting dates for it. He praised the prime minister’s dynamic leadership for ensuring an economic turnaround and noted downward trends in inflation and interest rates.
Referring to the Indian aggression, Dar said that Pakistan had defeated an enemy that boasted of its military power and role as a regional security provider, and this myth was “buried on May 10.” He also spoke about climate change, noting that Pakistan is vulnerable to its impacts and that the government is developing projects to cope with this challenge. He emphasized that the government is also advocating for equality and justice, as climate change is a matter of justice for all countries suffering from emissions worldwide.
