Pakistan ready for dialogue with India on all issues but will not beg: FM Ishaq Dar

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan is prepared for a "dignified and respectful" composite dialogue with India.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s position on Jammu and Kashmir remains unchanged and warned that Islamabad would respond with "full force" to any aggression from India. Dar also stressed that Pakistan seeks talks without compromising its sovereignty or dignity, signaling a firm stance amid ongoing tensions.

India has maintained that it will engage in dialogue only on specific issues, particularly the return of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the broader fight against cross-border terrorism.

The composite dialogue between the two countries, initially launched in 2003 during General Pervez Musharraf’s tenure, was suspended following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Since then, several attempts to revive formal talks have failed, often disrupted by cross-border violence or unilateral military actions.

Dar’s comments come in the backdrop of increased military tensions between India and Pakistan. On May 7, India conducted precision strikes under 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab province.

The strikes were launched following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Indian security forces claimed that the operation neutralized over 100 terrorists. Pakistan, however, described the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and accused India of escalation.

Pakistan has highlighted its efforts to present its narrative to the international community. Dar asserted that Pakistani forces demonstrated their operational capabilities during the confrontation, both in air and ground defenses.

He warned that any provocation, including potential maritime threats, would be met with a robust response. Islamabad has also sought to engage the global community diplomatically to stress its position on Kashmir and regional stability.

Analysts say Dar’s statement signals Pakistan’s willingness to maintain channels for dialogue while projecting firmness on key national issues.

They note that while Pakistan’s insistence on a “dignified” approach may open space for negotiations, unresolved questions around terrorism, border security, and political recognition of Kashmir could remain major sticking points.

Any resumption of talks would likely require confidence-building measures, including reductions in military posturing and transparent communication mechanisms between the two countries.

The broader regional implications are significant. Renewed dialogue could impact trade, cross-border travel, and bilateral cooperation on water and energy projects. Conversely, continued tension may hinder regional integration and affect the security dynamics in South Asia.