Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan’s call for dialogue with India to ensure lasting peace in the region, emphasizing the necessity for both nations to engage in discussions to address pressing challenges, including Kashmir, water disputes, and terrorism.
Speaking at the Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit alongside Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ilham Aliyev, the premier stated, “We must sit together and talk for the sake of peace… There are issues that demand immediate attention and must be addressed through dialogue.”
This summit takes place as the Prime Minister continues his four-nation tour, aiming to express gratitude for the support extended to Pakistan during the recent conflict with India.
Earlier, the Prime Minister concluded his two-day bilateral visit to Iran and proceeded to Azerbaijan. Following his visits to Turkiye, Iran, and Azerbaijan, his itinerary includes a trip to Tajikistan.
Addressing the summit, he underscored Pakistan’s consistent position on regional peace, stating: “We desired peace yesterday, we desire peace today, and we will continue to desire peace in the future.”
PM Shehbaz articulated Pakistan’s desire for a resolution to the Kashmir issue in accordance with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He further indicated that Pakistan is open to discussions with India on counter-terrorism, provided New Delhi demonstrates genuine seriousness.
The Prime Minister referenced India’s recent aggression, crediting Allah Almighty’s blessings and kindness, the support of the Pakistani people, friendly nations, and the resolute response of the armed forces for Pakistan’s triumph.
He lamented India’s attempt to weaponize the Indus Waters Treaty, which he described as a lifeline for Pakistan’s 240 million population, reliant on its waters for agriculture, drinking, and other essential purposes.
“It is most unfortunate that India tried to threaten to stop the flow of water into Pakistan. This is not possible, this is never possible and will not be possible. We are making proper arrangements to ensure that India never ever does it,” he emphatically maintained.
“We are the biggest victim of terrorism around the globe and lost 90,000 valuable lives and suffered $150 billion worth of economic losses over the last many decades. There can be no bigger manifestation of our commitment and intention to beat this menace for all times to come,” he added.
He stated that if India exhibited serious and honest cooperation, Pakistan would be willing to discuss all outstanding issues, including the promotion of trade, at the negotiation table.
The Prime Minister also commended the role of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, acknowledging his courageous leadership and high level of professional acumen in commanding Pakistan’s armed forces, with the entire nation standing in solidarity behind them.
The premier lauded the Field Marshal’s character during the conflict with India, describing him as ‘God-fearing, fearless, firm with iron resolve, patience, and fortitude to face that aggression.’
He reiterated that during the recent conflict, India failed to provide any credible evidence against Pakistan and rejected Pakistan’s sincere offer for a neutral and transparent investigation into the so-called Pahalagam incident by any international body.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the productive discussions held during their previous trilateral format on issues of mutual interest, hoping that their session in Lachin city would elevate their cooperation to new heights, aligning with the aspirations of the people of the three countries.
He highlighted the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties binding Pakistan, Turkiye, and Azerbaijan, spanning centuries.
He opined that this historic friendship has strengthened over time, with the nations consistently supporting each other on issues such as Nagorno-Karabakh, Northern Cyprus, and Kashmir.
He affirmed that the profound love and passion shared by their people naturally bind them together, supporting their common objectives. He emphasized that their populations have demonstrated overwhelming affection and support.
He also underscored that the world currently confronts numerous grave challenges, including armed conflicts, diseases, climate change, and economic crises. He noted their assembly in Lachin, choosing compassion over conflict, expressing confidence that passion and wisdom would ultimately lead to peace and prosperity.
‘$2 Billion Investment Envisioned by Azerbaijan’
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, in his remarks, highlighted the unity of the three countries based on their common and shared history, culture, and religion.
He expressed gratitude for the moral support extended by Turkiye and Pakistan, emphasizing the significance of solidarity and unity for the development of their nations by leveraging resources to achieve shared goals.
He stated that Azerbaijan seeks to advance its cooperation through joint ventures and envisages a $2 billion investment in Pakistan’s economy, specifically through development projects.
President Aliyev further stressed the importance of joint cooperation in areas such as AI, space exploration, academic collaboration, cultural events, and tourism links to enhance ties between their peoples.
He expressed concern over the tensions between Pakistan and India and conveyed solidarity with Pakistan, adding that dialogue and negotiations under the UN Charter offer a path forward.
‘Mutual Trust Forms Foundation of Trilateral Relations’
Turkiye President Erdogan, in his speech, congratulated Azerbaijan on its Independence Day, asserting that the three brotherly countries are linked by mutual trust and confidence.
He added that their ties are strengthening, and they are striving to translate their trilateral relationship into strategic cooperation.
He expressed hope that the region would become a focal point of peace, stability, and prosperity.
Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Istanbul, President Erdogan mentioned discussions regarding the scope of the high-level strategic council and historical ties.
He commended the Prime Minister for his prudent and wise approach during the conflict with India, noting that the ceasefire had diffused tensions between the two countries. He reiterated Turkiye’s commitment to securing a permanent peace.
President Erdogan further highlighted various global challenges, ranging from security threats to economic meltdown, and emphasized the need for joint projects and cooperation among the three countries in trade facilitation, investment promotion, and digital transformation.
Azerbaijan’s Independence Day Ceremony
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also addressed the Independence Day Ceremony of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Lachin, commending the leadership and bravery of the Azerbaijani people who, under President Aliyev’s “visionary and dynamic leadership,” liberated the region of Karabakh after decades of occupation.
“It is a matter of great honor to be here today, celebrating both Azerbaijan’s Independence Day and Pakistan’s Youm-e-Takbeer — the day we became a nuclear power in 1998,” he said, emphasizing the symbolic significance of May 28 for both nations.
“When Armenia attacked Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkiye stood like a rock beside it. And today, when India attacked Pakistan, President Erdogan and President Aliyev stood like a formidable fortress beside us. This is true brotherhood,” PM Shehbaz stated.
Describing the trilateral meeting between Pakistan, Turkiye, and Azerbaijan as “productive and inspiring,” PM Shehbaz concluded his address with a call for regional unity and enduring friendship.
“Our flags today flutter high — as emblems of unity, hope, and strength,” he said, adding, “We will continue to stand with our brothers and sisters, whether in Karabakh, Kashmir, or Palestine. This is our shared commitment, our shared destiny.”
Trilateral Summit Details
The premier arrived in Lachin, Azerbaijan, a day earlier to attend the Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit, which marks the third stop on a five-day tour aimed at expressing gratitude to friendly nations for their support during the recent military conflict with India.
On Tuesday, PM Shehbaz held a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, where both leaders stressed coordinated efforts to enhance regional stability, mutual prosperity, and uphold principled positions on key international issues.
The Prime Minister conveyed warm felicitations to President Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan on this significant national occasion, underscoring the eternal bond of friendship shared by the people of both countries.
The premier thanked Azerbaijan for its unwavering support during the recent standoff with India, which was triggered by New Delhi’s missile strikes on Pakistan, and lauded the public display of solidarity from its leadership and people.
During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, expressing satisfaction over the upward trajectory of political, economic, defense, and cultural cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi were also present.
The Prime Minister’s four-nation tour follows a military standoff between Pakistan and India. The recent escalation began on May 7 when at least 31 civilians were martyred in unprovoked Indian strikes in various areas of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
In retaliation, Pakistan successfully downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, and dozens of drones. During the four-day standoff, at least 11 troops and 40 civilians were martyred at the hands of India.
Both nations ceased their most intense fighting in nearly three decades after agreeing to a ceasefire on May 10, following four days of severe cross-border drone and missile strikes, which occurred after India launched unprovoked attacks on Islamabad.
Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic efforts to expose Indian propaganda and counter its hostile narrative at international forums.
As part of these efforts, Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will also lead a high-level delegation to brief world leaders, parliamentarians, and international media in various countries about Pakistan’s peace-focused stance.
