Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday provided insights into Pakistan’s current diplomatic and security approaches during an informal discussion with senior journalists in Islamabad.
The premier addressed ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Pakistan’s position concerning India, and his vision for fostering peace in Balochistan.
IMF Talks to Alleviate Tax Burden
The Prime Minister disclosed that the government is actively engaged in discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) aimed at reducing the financial strain on the salaried class. He further mentioned that talks are also underway to support Pakistan’s agriculture sector through potential IMF-backed reforms.
Open to Peace in Balochistan
PM Shehbaz also underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to peace and development in Balochistan. “Our doors are open. We want peace in Balochistan,” he stated, alluding to efforts to involve all stakeholders in the province.
Pakistan’s Response to India After Pahalgam Incident
Addressing recent tensions with India, the premier stated that Pakistan sought a transparent investigation into the Pahalgam attack, a request lauded by many nations, but which India refused. “We reached out for cooperation, but India responded with hostility,” Shehbaz noted, adding that Indian aggression compelled Pakistan to respond.
He detailed that a decisive action was taken on the night of May 9 and 10, following India’s attack at 2:30 AM. “The army chief called and said we must respond with full force — and we did. We shot down four of their Rafale jets in self-defense.”
Dialogue with India Conditioned on Kashmir
While reaffirming Pakistan’s preference for peace, Shehbaz Sharif outlined a four-point framework for potential dialogue with India. “Kashmir comes first. Without resolving that, there can be no progress,” he asserted.
He articulated the proposed sequence for talks as: Kashmir resolution, improvement of the ceasefire by India, trade discussions, and counterterrorism cooperation.
“We’re ready to talk — even on terrorism — but only after Kashmir is addressed,” he clarified. “We are sure that India will not do anything stupid now.”
Regional Diplomacy and China Ties
Prime Minister Shehbaz attributed the support of friendly nations, including China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Azerbaijan, during recent tensions. He specifically lauded China, stating, “Among friendly countries, there is no one like China.”
He also acknowledged contact from the US following the military exchange with India, which he indicated was influenced by Indian lobbying. “After we defended ourselves successfully, we told the US we’re open to a ceasefire — on mutual terms.”
Army Chief Promotion and Modi Criticism
PM Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that the decision to promote Army Chief Gen Asim Munir to Field Marshal was his own, though made after consultation with PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif.
In strong terms, he criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rhetoric, labeling it “toxic” and dismissing India’s international standing. “India has no voice in the world. Modi’s language wasn’t worth responding to. Trump’s pressure on India is also real. If India chooses war, its economy will be the first casualty.”
He concluded by stating that Pakistan currently maintains no diplomatic contact with India apart from routine communications between DGMOs (Directors General of Military Operations).
