PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan’s willingness for dialogue with India in talks with UK envoy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to engage in “meaningful dialogue” with India on all outstanding issues during a meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott in Islamabad.

According to state media, the Prime Minister reiterated Islamabad’s call for comprehensive talks with New Delhi, particularly in light of recent tensions sparked by the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir.

The attack, which claimed 26 lives, led to a brief military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. India blamed Pakistan for the incident, a charge Islamabad firmly denied, calling instead for a neutral investigation. The conflict was later de-escalated through US mediation.

PM Shehbaz welcomed the UK’s diplomatic efforts during the standoff and praised the British government’s recent decision to resume Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to the UK. He said the move would benefit the British-Pakistani community and foster greater people-to-people ties.

Discussions between the two sides also highlighted the improving trajectory of bilateral relations. PM Shehbaz said that ongoing trade talks and Pakistan’s cooperation at the United Nations Security Council—where it currently holds the monthly presidency—reflected growing collaboration.

High Commissioner Marriott briefed the Prime Minister on her recent visit to London, where she held consultations aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. She also acknowledged Pakistan’s recent economic performance and discussed regional developments.

Separately, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, rejected Indian allegations of cross-border terrorism during a UNSC debate on peaceful dispute resolution.

He accused India of violating UN resolutions on Kashmir, human rights abuses, and unilaterally suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.