ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called on India to open “meaningful and result-oriented” dialogue over Kashmir, asserting that New Delhi’s unilateral measures to integrate the disputed Himalayan region have proved futile due to resistance among people.
Kashmir, known for the mesmerizing beauty of its lakes and snowcapped mountains, has remained contested between India and Pakistan since their independence in August 1947. The two South Asian nuclear rivals both claim it in full but control only parts of it. They have fought wars over the region and continue diplomatic efforts to highlight their respective political positions on the issue.
On August 5, 2019, India unilaterally revoked the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, stripping it of the limited autonomy it had enjoyed. The development was followed by Pakistan’s decision to downgrade its diplomatic ties with New Delhi.
Last year, India held legislative elections in Kashmir for the first time since the August 5 move, but the region continues to operate as a union territory under New Delhi’s direct control, limiting the legislative powers of its assembly.
Sharif said such measures were insufficient while addressing the legislative assembly of Azad Kashmir in Muzaffarabad to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day, adding that India continues to maintain a military stranglehold over the region despite these efforts.
“It is in the best interests of India and this region, that they move beyond the mindset of August 5, 2019, by implementing the United Nations Security Council resolutions to fulfill their promises made to the Kashmiris and world and come to a meaningful and result-oriented negotiations on Kashmir dispute,” Sharif said during his address to the assembly.
“Pakistan has always adopted the attitude of living in accordance with the principles of peaceful coexistence with its neighbors,” he continued. “We want all conflicts, including Jammu Kashmir, to be resolved through peaceful means, in accordance with the principles of diplomacy and democracy.”
Earlier, the prime minister urged the international community to press India to allow the Kashmiri people to determine their own future, saying the issue was “a key pillar” of Pakistan’s foreign policy and reiterating the country’s “unwavering moral, diplomatic and political support” for the Kashmiri people.
“I also avail myself of this opportunity to salute the resolve and courage of the valiant Kashmiri people, who continue to render innumerable sacrifices in their struggle to achieve their fundamental rights and freedoms,” he said.
Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed in Pakistan on February 5 each year to express support for the people of Indian-administered Kashmir. Different groups across the country are also expected to hold rallies to discuss the issue.
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir also visited Muzaffarabad during the day where he paid homage to the sacrifices of Kashmir people.
He reaffirmed that no act of aggression from the country’s enemies would go unanswered and underscored the army’s commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Without any doubt, Kashmir will be free one day and become part of Pakistan, as per the free will and destiny of the people of Kashmir,” he said.
Pakistan PM asks India to hold ‘meaningful’ talks on Kashmir, says integration efforts have failed
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Pakistan PM asks India to hold ‘meaningful’ talks on Kashmir, says integration efforts have failed
- Shehbaz Sharif visits Muzaffarabad to commemorate the annual Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5
- Gen. Asim Munir also travels to the region, says Kashmir will be free one day and become part of Pakistan
Islamabad says surge in aircraft orders after India standoff could end IMF reliance
- Pakistani jets came into the limelight after Islamabad claimed to have shot down six Indian aircraft during a standoff in May last year
- Many countries have since stepped up engagement with Pakistan, while others have proposed learning from PAF’s multi-domain capabilities
ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday said Pakistan has witnessed a surge in aircraft orders after a four-day military standoff with India last year and, if materialized, they could end the country’s reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The statement came hours after a high-level Bangladeshi defense delegation met Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu to discuss a potential sale of JF-17 Thunder aircraft, a multi-role fighter jointly developed by China and Pakistan that has become the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) over the past decade.
Fighter jets used by Pakistan came into the limelight after Islamabad claimed to have shot down six Indian aircraft, including French-made Rafale jets, during the military conflict with India in May last year. India acknowledged losses in the aerial combat but did not specify a number.
Many countries have since stepped up defense engagement with Pakistan, while delegations from multiple other nations have proposed learning from Pakistan Air Force’s multi-domain air warfare capabilities that successfully advanced Chinese military technology performs against Western hardware.
“Right now, the number of orders we are receiving after reaching this point is significant because our aircraft have been tested,” Defense Minister Asif told a Pakistan’s Geo News channel.
“We are receiving those orders, and it is possible that after six months we may not even need the IMF.”
Pakistan markets the Chinese co-developed JF-17 as a lower-cost multi-role fighter and has positioned itself as a supplier able to offer aircraft, training and maintenance outside Western supply chains.
“I am saying this to you with full confidence,” Asif continued. “If, after six months, all these orders materialize, we will not need the IMF.”
Pakistan has repeatedly turned to the IMF for financial assistance to stabilize its economy. These loans come with strict conditions including fiscal reforms, subsidy cuts and measures to increase revenue that Pakistan must implement to secure disbursements.
In Sept. 2024, the IMF approved a $7 billion bailout for Pakistan under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program and a separate $1.4 billion loan under its climate resilience fund in May 2025, aimed at strengthening the country’s economic and climate resilience.
Pakistan has long been striving to expand defense exports by leveraging its decades of counter-insurgency experience and a domestic industry that produces aircraft, armored vehicles, munitions and other equipment.
The South Asian country reached a deal worth over $4 billion to sell military equipment to the Libyan National Army, Reuters report last month, citing Pakistani officials. The deal, one of Pakistan’s largest-ever weapons sales, included the sale of 16 JF-17 fighter jets and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft for basic pilot training.
