De-escalation Demands and India’s Dilemma
The fact that commentators say India will now have to sit down for negotiations is a testament to the spectacular success of the operation that Pakistan’s valiant soldiers conducted on Saturday morning under Operation Banyan Al-Marsoos, in response to the three-day Indian airstrikes targeting innocent Pakistani men, women, and children with missiles and drone assaults.
Pakistan has responded to the Modi government’s repeated refusals to assist in the investigation of the Pahalgam incident and to engage in meaningful dialogue. According to the most recent media report, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir visited Islamabad on Friday as part of peace efforts and met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took the opportunity to thank the Saudi government for its diplomatic efforts to bring about peace in the region. The esteemed visitor emphasized his nation’s commitment to easing tensions between India and Pakistan and to resolving all outstanding disputes in accordance with UN resolutions and international law.
The British, Azerbaijani, and Japanese foreign ministers were also briefed. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar informed the Foreign Office by phone about India’s actions and the resulting situation. In a separate phone call with Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through bilateral talks and pledged support.
Pakistan values all these efforts. However, bringing India toward a definitive solution to the Kashmir issue in accordance with UN resolutions will be the true measure of their success and a guarantee for establishing lasting peace in South Asia.
