Islamabad, July 23, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness for a “meaningful dialogue” with India to resolve all outstanding issues, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
The statement comes in the aftermath of the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, in Indian-occupied Kashmir, which killed 26 people and triggered a brief but intense military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. India blamed Pakistan for the assault — a claim Islamabad strongly denied, instead calling for a neutral international investigation. The crisis was defused after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
Pakistan has consistently advocated for comprehensive talks with India on contentious matters including the Kashmir dispute and water sharing under the Indus Waters Treaty.
During a meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz appreciated the United Kingdom’s role in de-escalating tensions during the recent standoff. He also welcomed the UK government’s decision to resume Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to the UK, describing it as a vital step to ease travel hardships for the British-Pakistani community and enhance people-to-people ties.
Both leaders acknowledged the “positive trajectory” in bilateral relations, with PM Shehbaz noting that recent trade talks could open new, mutually beneficial opportunities. He also highlighted Pakistan’s close cooperation with the UK at the United Nations Security Council, where Pakistan currently holds the monthly presidency.
Marriott briefed the Prime Minister on her recent visit to London and discussions aimed at boosting bilateral relations. She lauded Pakistan’s improving economic indicators and expressed appreciation for its recent fiscal performance. Regional developments in South Asia and the Middle East also featured in the discussions.
Last week, the UK government launched an e-visa facility for Pakistani students and workers, part of an expanded border and immigration system. The announcement came a day after the two countries signed a Trade Dialogue Mechanism Agreement and agreed to form the UK-Pakistan Business Advisory Council to institutionalize economic cooperation.
