Fri May 16 18:29:07 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called for renewed “composite dialogue” with India to address longstanding disputes. This comes after recent heightened tensions, including India’s “Operation Sindoor” in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam. India has stated it will only engage in dialogue focused on the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the issue of terrorism. Dar also warned against any violation of the Indus Water Treaty. The call for dialogue is echoed by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Relations between the two nations have been strained by repeated terror attacks and India’s 2019 decision regarding Jammu and Kashmir.

**News Article:**

**Pakistan Calls for Dialogue with India Amid Tensions**

**Islamabad – May 16, 2025** – In a move that comes after a period of escalating tensions, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has urged India to engage in a “composite dialogue” aimed at resolving the complex issues dividing the two nations. Addressing the Senate on Thursday, Dar, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, acknowledged the extension of the current ceasefire until May 18th but emphasized the need for a political dialogue to achieve lasting peace.

This call for renewed engagement follows India’s recent “Operation Sindoor,” precision strikes targeting terror infrastructure within Pakistan in early May. The operation was a response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22nd, which claimed the lives of 26 people. Pakistan retaliated with attempted attacks on Indian military bases, leading to four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes before an understanding was reached on May 10th to end the immediate conflict.

Despite the recent hostilities, Dar stated, “We have told the world that we will hold a composite dialogue.” He also mentioned that the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations are scheduled to reconnect on May 18th. The original composite dialogue, launched in 2003, covered a wide range of contentious issues but was derailed after the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

India’s stance remains firm: it has indicated it will only engage in dialogue concerning the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the addressing of terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

Adding to the diplomatic efforts, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended an offer of talks to India, stating Pakistan is ready to engage for peace.

Dar further issued a strong warning regarding the Indus Water Treaty, stating that any attempt to block Pakistan’s water supply through unlawful suspension of the treaty would be considered an act of war.

Relations between India and Pakistan have been particularly strained in recent years due to a series of terror attacks, including the 2016 attack on the Pathankot Air Force base and the 2019 Pulwama attack, as well as India’s decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. The recent Pahalgam attack has further exacerbated the already tense situation.

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