These remarks come amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali national. India attributed the attack to the Islamic Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, leading to a series of retaliatory measures from both nations. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, halted visa services for Pakistani nationals, and expelled several Pakistani diplomats. In response, Pakistan suspended the 1972 Shimla Agreement, closed its airspace to Indian aircraft, and expelled Indian diplomats.
Ambassador Sheikh highlighted Pakistan's strategic vulnerabilities, noting that the country's geographical location often attracts challenges rather than benefits. He expressed concern over the growing partnership between the United States and India, stating that while Pakistan does not oppose such alliances, they should not come at the expense of Pakistan's interests. "We do not have any problem with the United States developing a partnership with India if it is not at the cost of Pakistan," he remarked.
Addressing the Kashmir dispute, Sheikh reiterated Pakistan's stance on resolving the issue through diplomacy. He stated, "The durable settlement of the Kashmir issue and a hope for lasting peace can be best accomplished through diplomacy." He urged the international community to play a proactive role in facilitating dialogue between India and Pakistan, emphasising that meaningful and consequential discussions are the only way forward.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed similar sentiments in an interview with Al Arabiya TV, calling for "serious and sincere talks" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on pressing issues like Kashmir. Sharif acknowledged that past wars with India have only brought misery and poverty, and emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence. He also sought the intervention of UAE ruler Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to facilitate talks between the two nations.
India, however, has maintained a firm stance on the Kashmir issue. During a debate on peacekeeping operations at the UN, India's representative, Sudhanshu Trivedi, asserted that Jammu and Kashmir "was, is and will remain an integral part of India." He criticised Pakistan for attempting to divert the UN's agenda by bringing up the Kashmir issue and emphasised that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have exercised their democratic rights by electing a new government.
The diplomatic exchanges between the two countries have been further strained by Pakistan's suspension of the Shimla Agreement and India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. These developments have raised concerns about the potential for further escalation, especially given the nuclear capabilities of both nations.
Ambassador Sheikh sought to reassure the international community about Pakistan's nuclear programme, stating that it is not intended for hostile purposes. He emphasised that since attaining nuclear capability, large-scale wars between India and Pakistan have not occurred, and the programme serves to underwrite Pakistan's security. He also highlighted that the programme is certified by the International Atomic Energy Agency and meets all safety standards.
The ambassador's remarks come at a time when Pakistan is navigating complex geopolitical dynamics, balancing its relationships with the United States, China, and neighbouring countries. He expressed a desire for the United States to appreciate Pakistan's situation and avoid pushing the country into making difficult choices. "Our relationship with America for us is very valuable," he said, acknowledging past disappointments but expressing hope for a flourishing partnership.