After Facing Defeat in Operation Sindoor, Shehbaz Sharif Offers Talks, But Links Peace to Kashmir

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Islamabad: In the aftermath of Pakistan’s military setback during Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached out to India with an offer for peace talks. Speaking at the Kamra air base in Punjab, Sharif said Pakistan is “ready to talk” with India, but underscored that Kashmir remains central to any potential peace process.

“We are ready to talk with it (India) for peace,” Sharif said, adding that the “conditions for peace” must include addressing the Kashmir issue.

Sharif was joined at Kamra by a high-powered delegation including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, signaling the significance of the outreach.

India Stands Firm on Kashmir
India, however, has maintained a clear and unwavering position. Government sources reiterated that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are and will always remain integral parts of India, rejecting any proposal that questions the nation’s sovereignty.

Second Visit After Ceasefire
The Kamra air base visit was Shehbaz Sharif’s second tour of a military installation since India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, following four days of intense missile and drone exchanges.

The Trigger: Operation Sindoor
Tensions escalated after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians and soldiers. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of May 6–7, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists.

Pakistan attempted counterattacks on May 8, 9, and 10, launching strikes at several Indian military bases. However, the Indian armed forces retaliated strongly, hitting key Pakistani military facilities including Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian. The Pakistani military reportedly suffered heavy losses and was forced into retreat.

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