PM calls for 'meaningful dialogue' with India to ease tensions in talks with British envoy

Shehbaz Sharif welcomes UK decision to resume PIA flights in meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to engage in a “meaningful dialogue” with India on all outstanding issues, calling for diplomacy to address long-standing regional tensions, Radio Pakistan reported.

In a meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, who called on the premier in Islamabad on Wednesday, he stressed the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means and reiterated that Pakistan remained committed to constructive engagement with its neighbours.

PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-UK relations and said the recent trade talks between the two countries were expected to yield mutually beneficial opportunities while noting that Pakistan and the UK were cooperating closely at the United Nations Security Council, where Pakistan currently holds the monthly presidency.

The prime minister also welcomed the UK government’s recent decision to resume Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to and from the UK, saying that the move would ease travel difficulties for the British Pakistani community and promote greater people-to-people exchanges. He also appreciated the high commissioner’s role in facilitating the decision.

Also Read: PIA plans UK flights from Aug 14

He conveyed his warm regards to King Charles III and newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, adding that he looked forward to meeting the British leadership later this year. Marriott, in turn, thanked the prime minister for the meeting and briefed him on her recent visit to London, during which she held consultations on advancing bilateral cooperation.

She commended the Pakistani government’s economic performance over the past year and a half under the leadership of PM Shehbaz, highlighting improvements in key macroeconomic indicators. The high commissioner also shared the UK’s perspectives on regional issues.

Tensions between Pakistan and India deteriorated following the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in April, which claimed the lives of 26 people. New Delhi hastily blamed Islamabad for the attack, despite failing to provide any evidence.

Over a span of four days in May, fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery were deployed in fierce clashes. A ceasefire was eventually announced on May 10 — a development the United States claimed to have brokered, though India has publicly denied any third-party involvement.