Shehbaz Sharif Links Kashmir and Gaza in UK Address, Calls for Peace With India.
London: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has drawn parallels between the Kashmir dispute and the Gaza war, even as he urged the need to normalise relations with India. Speaking to the overseas Pakistani community in London, Sharif reiterated that peace in South Asia was impossible without resolving Kashmir.
“India and Pakistan are neighbours and we must learn to live together. But ties cannot be normalised unless the Kashmir issue is resolved. The blood of Kashmiris will not go in vain,” he said.
Sharif cautioned that those expecting relations to progress without addressing Kashmir were “living in a fool’s paradise.” He also lamented that the two countries had already fought four wars, costing billions of dollars, which could have been spent on development.
Accusing India of adopting a “combative” posture instead of cooperation, he added, “It is up to us if we want to live in peace or continue to fight. It is our wish that we live by loving and respecting each other.”
Shift to Gaza Conflict
The Pakistani leader then turned to the Israel–Hamas war, claiming more than 64,000 people had died in Gaza while civilians faced food and supply shortages.
Strained India–Pakistan Ties
Sharif’s remarks come at a time of worsening bilateral ties following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s strong military response. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) camps, killing over 100 militants and destroying multiple Pakistani military bases. A ceasefire understanding was reached three days later, on May 10.
Since then, New Delhi has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, insisting that “terror and talks cannot go together” until Pakistan takes verifiable action against cross-border terrorism. Islamabad has requested reinstatement of the water-sharing pact, but India has so far refused.
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