Pakistan Calls for Composite Dialogue with India Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions Says Dar

In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated Islamabad’s willingness to engage in composite dialogue with India to resolve all outstanding disputes, including the Jammu & Kashmir conflict and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The call comes amid a fragile ceasefire following intense cross-border hostilities earlier this year.

Addressing a press conference in New York on July 28, 2025, Dar emphasized that Pakistan seeks a comprehensive dialogue that goes beyond counterterrorism and covers territorial disputes, water rights, and broader regional cooperation. “We have no objections to dialogue. In fact, we are ready for a composite dialogue that includes Kashmir and other critical issues,” Dar stated.

He noted that while military-to-military communications between the two nuclear-armed neighbors continue, there has been no political-level contact. He urged India to respond positively to Pakistan’s peace overtures to avoid further escalation and foster long-term stability in the region.

The recent escalation traces back to the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 tourists dead. India blamed Pakistan without providing evidence, prompting a diplomatic backlash and military responses from both sides.

On May 7, 2025, the Indian Air Force launched unprovoked airstrikes on civilian areas in Pakistan. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) retaliated swiftly, reportedly downing six Indian jets, including three French-made Rafale fighters. This was followed by a second wave of Indian strikes on May 9–10, targeting Pakistani military installations. In response, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, striking several Indian strategic sites.

The confrontation came to an abrupt halt after U.S. President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire on May 10, following urgent diplomatic interventions. Since then, both sides have reduced troop presence along the international border, but tensions remain high.

Dar reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing position that peace in South Asia is impossible without resolving the Kashmir dispute. He referenced historical U.S. involvement, recalling that President Trump had previously raised the issue multiple times at international forums.

Equally critical is the Indus Waters Treaty, which India unilaterally suspended on April 23, 2025, following the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan considers this move a violation of international law and the 1960 treaty itself, facilitated by the World Bank. Dar stated unequivocally that any attempt to block or divert Pakistan’s water share would be considered an act of war. Millions of Pakistanis depend on these waters for agriculture and food security, making the treaty a cornerstone of regional peace.

During the same press conference, Dar made it clear that Pakistan has no intention of recognizing Israel. He demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and called for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. Pakistan reaffirmed its support for a sovereign Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Dar’s comments came after his participation in Pakistan-led debates at the United Nations Security Council, where he also presided over sessions advocating for greater cooperation between the UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Beyond the India issue, Dar touched on Pakistan’s broader diplomatic agenda, including strengthened ties with Afghanistan and Iran. He underscored the country’s commitment to regional connectivity projects such as trade corridors and railway networks linking South Asia with Central Asia.

He also confirmed that Pakistan has extended an official invitation to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to visit Islamabad for further discussions.

As the ceasefire between India and Pakistan holds, Pakistan’s leadership appears keen on leveraging this moment to reboot diplomatic engagement. While New Delhi has so far avoided political-level talks, Islamabad’s consistent push for a composite dialogue signals a strong desire for peaceful conflict resolution.

Whether India reciprocates remains to be seen. However, with global powers watching closely and regional stability at stake, the next steps from both capitals could determine the future of South Asian geopolitics. Home