Pakistan Prime Minister Extends Olive Branch to India: Invites for dialogue to Resolve Long-standing Issues

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended an invitation to India for talks in order to address the serious and outstanding issues between the two countries. In his speech at the Pakistan Minerals Summit, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that war is not an option for both countries as they both strive to combat poverty and unemployment.

Prime Minister Sharif acknowledged the strained relations between India and Pakistan, particularly due to the issue of cross-border terrorism. However, he expressed the need for peaceful and meaningful discussions to resolve these issues and normalize bilateral relations.

During his address, Prime Minister Sharif also mentioned the history of wars between Pakistan and India, which he believes have resulted in increased poverty, unemployment, and lack of resources for education and healthcare.

He emphasized that Pakistan's nuclear capability is for defensive purposes and not for aggression, as the consequences of a nuclear conflict would be devastating for both countries. Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the importance of addressing the unresolved issues between India and Pakistan in order to establish normal and peaceful relations.

He stated that Pakistan is ready to engage in talks with its neighbor as long as the neighbor is serious about discussing these matters. In addition to the prime minister's remarks, Minister of State for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik revealed that Pakistan has estimated mineral reserves worth USD 6 trillion, including gold, copper, coal, and other precious metals.

He invited foreign investors to invest in the minerals and mining sector, with the aim of increasing exports and employment in this sector. The Pakistan Minerals Summit was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, as well as national and foreign dignitaries, signaling the importance the government attaches to attracting foreign investment and promoting economic development.

It is worth noting that bilateral relations between India and Pakistan have been tense since August 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated. India has asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has stated that normal relations with Pakistan can only be achieved if cross-border terrorism is addressed.

As Pakistan's coalition government prepares for an upcoming election, Prime Minister Sharif's offer for talks with India may indicate a willingness to improve relations and address the long-standing issues between the two countries.