Tue May 27 06:44:33 UTC 2025: **Headline: Pakistan PM Sharif Offers Peace Talks with India Despite Recent Tensions**

**Islamabad, May 27, 2025** – Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended an offer of peace talks to India, addressing key points of contention, including the Kashmir dispute, terrorism, water issues, and trade. The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Tehran on Monday, May 26, during the second leg of his four-nation tour.

Sharif emphasized his desire for peaceful resolution through negotiation, while also warning of a defensive response should India choose aggression. “But if they choose to remain aggressors, then we shall defend our territory… like we have done a few days ago,” he stated. “But if they accept my offer of peace, then we will show that we really want peace, seriously and sincerely.”

India has previously stated that any dialogue with Pakistan would hinge on the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and addressing the issue of terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil. Sharif also claimed his country emerged “victorious” from the recent conflict with India.

Tensions recently escalated following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, leading to India’s “Operation Sindoor,” precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Pakistan retaliated with attempted attacks on Indian military bases. Hostilities ceased on May 10 after talks between the Directors General of Military Operations of both countries.

During his visit to Tehran, Sharif met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, thanking the former for his concern during the recent conflict and lauding Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Pakistan during the escalation. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, trade, and regional issues.

Sharif was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other key ministers.

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