Pak Defence Minister says major issues with India can be discussed in any future dialogue

Pak Defence Minister says major issues with India can be discussed in any future dialogue

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that key issues such as Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty, and terrorism continue to be major issues with India and could be part of any future discussions between the two countries.

He made these remarks when he was asked about addressing unresolved matters with India after both countries agreed on Saturday to an immediate halt to all military actions and firing by land, air, and sea.

The understanding was reached following four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes that almost pushed the two countries to the verge of full-scale war.

Asif mentioned that important issues such as the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), terrorism, and Kashmir could be discussed in any potential talks with India.

“These are the three major issues that can be discussed," the channel quoted Asif as saying. "If the ceasefire helps pave the way towards peace, it would be a welcome development," he said, adding it is too early to say anything with certainty.

Although Pakistan stated that it agreed on a ceasefire with India, New Delhi described it as an understanding.

The tension between India and Pakistan heightened after the Indian Armed Forces struck terrorist launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) last week, following the Pahalgam terror attack.

“As time passes, opportunities for peace may emerge,” Asif said.

“We hope India, and particularly its leadership, will one day prioritise the region’s future over party interests,” the minister said, adding that peaceful coexistence based on equality is key to South Asia’s progress.