Islamabad, May 11 — Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has highlighted Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty, and terrorism as the core issues between India and Pakistan, asserting that these could form the basis of any future dialogue between the two nations.
Asif's remarks come in the backdrop of a mutual understanding between India and Pakistan to cease all military hostilities across land, air, and sea, reached on Saturday after four days of escalating cross-border drone and missile strikes that had pushed both nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of full-scale war.
“These are the three major issues that can be discussed,” Asif said during a television interview when asked about the path forward following the de-escalation. He emphasized that if the ceasefire leads to peace, it would be a welcome move, but cautioned that it was too early to draw any definitive conclusions.
While Pakistan termed the development a "ceasefire," Indian authorities referred to it as an "understanding," reflecting a difference in narrative over the nature of the agreement.
Tensions had sharply escalated after Indian armed forces launched strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), responding to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
Reflecting on the broader geopolitical context, Asif acknowledged the support Pakistan received from its allies, including China, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Gulf nations. He expressed hope that as time progresses, more avenues for peace might open up between the two countries.
“We hope India, and particularly its leadership, will one day prioritise the region’s future over party interests,” Asif stated. He further stressed that peaceful coexistence grounded in equality was essential for South Asia's advancement.