- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 11 May 2025 03:50 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday stated that key issues between India and Pakistan, including terrorism, Kashmir, and the Indus Water Treaty, can be addressed through dialogue, provided the current ceasefire agreement holds ground. His comments came amid fresh tensions despite the recent agreement to halt all military activity across land, air, and sea.
Speaking to local media, Asif expressed cautious optimism about the ceasefire, describing it as a potential opportunity to re-engage on long-standing disputes. “As time passes, opportunities for peace may emerge,” he said. While not overly optimistic, Asif acknowledged that if the ceasefire endures, it could create an environment conducive to discussions on the most contentious issues between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
“These are the three major issues that can be discussed,” he noted, referring to terrorism, Kashmir, and the Indus Waters Treaty. “If the ceasefire helps pave the way towards peace, it would be a welcome development.”
Call For Political Will From India
“We hope India, and particularly its leadership, will one day prioritise the region’s future over party interests,” Asif remarked. Indian officials reported multiple instances of Pakistani drones breaching Indian airspace in Rajouri and Srinagar, with four drones shot down near an Army headquarters. In response, authorities in Srinagar imposed a blackout and red alert amid fears of further drone incursions or attacks. Reports emerged of explosions in Rajasthan’s Pokhran region.
Asif’s remarks came in response to questions about resolving pending issues following the Saturday agreement to halt all military actions across land, air, and sea. The ceasefire understanding was reached after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes that nearly pushed both nations to the brink of full-scale war. The ceasefire appeared to unravel almost immediately. Hours after the agreement, Pakistani forces reportedly resumed artillery shelling in the Akhnoor, Rajouri, and RS Pura sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian side responded by activating air defence systems to counter aerial threats.
