New Delhi: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Ishaq Dar, on Friday said Islamabad was prepared to engage in a composite dialogue with India “in a dignified and respectful manner” on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir. However, he stressed that Pakistan “will not beg for talks.”
“Pakistan is ready for a composite dialogue with India in a dignified and respectful manner on all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, as per its longstanding position,” Dar told reporters during an interaction with the media.
India, however, has maintained that discussions with Pakistan will be limited to two issues—terrorism and the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The mechanism of composite dialogue, which covered eight baskets of issues ranging from peace and security to Kashmir, trade, and cultural exchanges, was initiated in 2003 under then-President Pervez Musharraf. It was derailed in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and has not resumed since in its original format.
Referring to the recent flare-up between the two neighbours, Dar claimed that Pakistan’s “narrative was acknowledged at the global level” due to its diplomatic outreach.
Tensions escalated earlier this year after a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 left 26 people dead. India responded with precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure across the border. Pakistan attempted retaliatory strikes on May 8, 9, and 10, prompting fierce counter-attacks by Indian forces on several Pakistani military installations.
The four-day conflict ended on May 10 after both sides reached an understanding to de-escalate.
Reiterating Pakistan’s military stance, Dar said his country’s forces had proven their strength “in the air and on land” and warned that Islamabad was prepared to respond to “any provocation” from India.
“Pakistan is also ready to respond with full force to India in case any aggression is committed, even through sea,” he asserted.
