Ishaq Dar says ready for Pak-India dialogue at neutral place

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan is ready for comprehensive negotiations with India, including the long-standing Kashmir dispute and all other pending issues.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, speaking informally to journalists in Islamabad on Friday, Dar revealed that India had sought the United States’ assistance for a ceasefire agreement. “I received a call from the US regarding the ceasefire,” he said.

Dar clarified that Pakistan had not requested any mediation but was offered a meeting at a neutral venue. “We were told to sit down at a neutral location, and I said if that is the case, we are willing to meet,” he explained.

The foreign minister emphasised that Pakistan had made it clear from the outset that discussions with India would not take place on any single-point agenda.

He also confirmed that the ceasefire agreement with India is holding, though New Delhi continues to issue “baseless statements”.

Responding to a question, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the media persons that the US Secretary of State’s visit to Pakistan has not yet been scheduled.

He also disclosed that he would depart for Bangladesh on a two-day visit tomorrow, aimed at bringing Pakistan and Bangladesh closer.

Meanwhile, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, during his weekly briefing today, welcomed the International Court of Arbitration’s verdict on the Indus Waters Treaty.

The FO spokesperson also warned that any Indian misadventure would be met with a “befitting response” from Pakistan.