March 01, 2026 08:58 am (IST)
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Kashmir issue must be resolved for restoration of Indo-Pak ties: Nawaz
Islamabad, Nov 28 (IBNS): Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said his country wants a meaningful dialogue with India for which the Kashmir issue has to be resolved.
Speaking to reporters on board his aircraft while returning home from the 18th SAARC Summit on Thursday, the Pakistani PM said India should not have cancelled the Foreign Secretary-level talks, adding that there was "nothing new" in consulting Kashmiri leaders ahead of a dialogue.
"We had been talking to the Kashmiri leaders in the past, whenever Pakistan-India talks are held. This is nothing new as we have to seek the opinion of the Kashmiri leaders, on an issue that concerns them the most,” he said.
Nawaz said Pakistan wants to pursue talks with India from a position of dignity, honour and self-respect.
"If India wants to restore ties, the Kashmir issue must be discussed and that too seriously, with full sincerity,” said he.
Earlier on Thursday, Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif not only shook hands but exchanged hellos during the retreat ceremony of the 18th SAARC Summit at Dhulikhel in Nepal, an event that provides an informal setting for discussions over breakfast and lunch.
Despite the handshake, India cleared that it wants a meaningful dialogue with Pakistan.
"India wants peaceful relationship with Pakistan. We are interested in meaningful dialogues. If this handshake leads to that, then we are ready for it," the MEA had said.
The two heads of state earlier turned cold shoulders to each other since the summit began on Wednesday.
Earlier Pakistan also blocked key proposals by India to integrate energy grids and free up road and rail movement forcing the cancellation of a signing ceremony.
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