By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD – In a surprising turn, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has declared Pakistan’s readiness for “comprehensive negotiations” with India — provided they take place at a neutral venue.
Speaking informally to journalists on Friday, Dar revealed that India had approached the United States for assistance in securing the current ceasefire agreement. “I received a call from the US regarding the ceasefire,” he disclosed.
Dar clarified that while Pakistan never asked for mediation, it was told to consider talks at a neutral location. “We were told to sit down at a neutral venue, and I said if that is the case, we are willing to meet,” he said.
The foreign minister made it clear that Pakistan will not agree to any single-point agenda, stressing that the Kashmir dispute will remain central in any negotiations.
He further confirmed that the ceasefire is holding, despite what he described as India’s “baseless statements.”
On the U.S. front, Dar stated that the Secretary of State’s visit to Pakistan “has not yet been scheduled.” Meanwhile, he announced that he would leave for Bangladesh tomorrow for a two-day visit aimed at improving bilateral ties.
At the weekly briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan welcomed the International Court of Arbitration’s verdict on the Indus Waters Treaty. He also cautioned that any “Indian misadventure” would meet a “befitting response” from Pakistan.
