LACHIN, AZERBAIJAN – In a strong call for regional peace and stability, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to engage in dialogue with India, provided New Delhi demonstrates genuine commitment to addressing long-standing issues, including Kashmir, terrorism, and water disputes.

Speaking at the Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the prime minister emphasized that regional peace cannot be achieved without sincere diplomacy and mutual respect.

“Pakistan has always preferred peace over conflict,” PM Shehbaz stated. “We are prepared to sit down with India to discuss all pressing issues, but this must be based on seriousness and mutual sincerity.”

A Call for Meaningful Talks

Highlighting the ongoing tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi, the prime minister pointed to recent escalations and India’s refusal to accept Pakistan’s proposal for an international probe into the so-called Pahalagam incident. He stressed that Pakistan had extended a transparent and neutral offer to investigate the matter, which was rejected by India without credible evidence.

Shehbaz also condemned India’s alleged attempt to politicize the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a lifeline for Pakistan’s population and warning that any efforts to disrupt water flows would be met with appropriate strategic responses.

“Tampering with water rights is unacceptable. We are actively ensuring that India is never allowed to weaponize water against Pakistan,” he said.

Counterterrorism & Trade: Conditional Cooperation

While reaffirming Pakistan’s position as a frontline victim of terrorism — having lost over 90,000 lives and suffered $150 billion in damages — the premier said Islamabad is open to discussing counterterrorism efforts with India if met with honest engagement.

He added that peace could unlock broader cooperation, including trade, but stressed that sincerity must precede any such developments.

“We are open to trade and cooperation, but only if India comes to the table with honest intentions,” the PM asserted.

Regional Solidarity and Strategic Partnerships

During the summit, Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Turkiye and Azerbaijan for their unwavering support during Pakistan’s recent military standoff with India, which resulted in dozens of civilian casualties and a four-day drone and missile conflict before a ceasefire on May 10.

He praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, crediting him for his composed and strategic leadership during the crisis, calling him “God-fearing, fearless, and resolute.”

The prime minister’s ongoing four-nation tour — including Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan — aims to reinforce strategic ties and thank friendly nations for their solidarity during recent tensions.

Azerbaijan Pledges $2 Billion Investment in Pakistan

In a show of economic partnership, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced plans for $2 billion worth of investment in Pakistan through joint development projects. He emphasized deepening ties in sectors such as technology, space research, education, tourism, and cultural exchange.

President Aliyev called for dialogue to resolve Indo-Pak tensions under the framework of the UN Charter, reaffirming Azerbaijan’s support for Kashmir and expressing solidarity with Pakistan.

Erdogan Urges Peaceful Resolution and Stronger Cooperation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his country’s firm support for Pakistan and praised Prime Minister Shehbaz’s leadership during the conflict. He emphasized the importance of converting the trilateral alliance into strategic collaboration for mutual prosperity.

“We believe in transforming this friendship into a powerful alliance. Let this region become a beacon of peace, stability, and shared development,” Erdogan said.

He also addressed global challenges — from economic instability to security threats — and called for joint projects in trade, investment, and digital transformation.

Strategic Vision for a Troubled Region

In their joint declarations, the three leaders recognized the challenges of the modern world — climate change, armed conflicts, and economic crises — and committed to cooperation grounded in shared history, culture, and faith.

They agreed that their trilateral partnership could serve as a stabilizing force in a region mired by volatility. The summit concluded with a unified message: peace and prosperity are only possible through dialogue, trust, and collective action.

Background Context:
The summit follows a recent high-stakes military confrontation between Pakistan and India, which saw over 70 casualties and the downing of six Indian fighter jets by Pakistan. The conflict was brought to a halt by a ceasefire brokered on May 10, but tensions remain high.

Pakistan is now stepping up its diplomatic campaign to counter Indian narratives and project its commitment to regional peace. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is expected to lead an international delegation to further highlight Pakistan’s peace-first approach on global platforms.