Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has expressed optimism regarding the prospects of improved relations with India following the general elections in India. Asif's statement came in the wake of remarks by India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Singapore, where he accused Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism at an "industry level," signaling a shift in India's stance towards addressing terrorism more assertively.

Speaking to reporters outside Islamabad's Parliament House, Asif acknowledged the historical complexities underlying the bilateral ties between Pakistan and India. He highlighted that the upcoming Indian elections, scheduled between April 19 and June 4 across seven phases for 543 Lok Sabha seats, could pave the way for better relations.

The relationship between Islamabad and New Delhi has long been strained, primarily due to the Kashmir conflict and Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism. Tensions escalated in 2019 when India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, leading Pakistan to downgrade diplomatic ties with India. Pakistan has since insisted that India must reverse its actions in Kashmir as a precondition for dialogue, while India maintains that the region's integration into the country is an internal matter.

In addition to its challenges with India, Pakistan has faced tensions with Afghanistan and Iran, with cross-border attacks exacerbating relations. Asif mentioned Pakistan's efforts, including high-level visits to Afghanistan, aimed at curbing terrorism. However, he noted challenges in finding practical solutions, particularly with the changing attitudes of the Afghan interim government towards Pakistan.

Asif emphasized the need for Afghanistan to address border security in line with international norms, restricting cross-border movements to authorized individuals. He highlighted Pakistan's historical support for Afghanistan, including sacrifices made and wars fought together, underscoring the importance of a stable and cooperative relationship between the two nations.

Overall, Asif's comments reflect Pakistan's cautious optimism for improved regional relations while acknowledging the complexities and challenges inherent in such diplomatic endeavors.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has expressed optimism regarding the prospects of improved relations with India following the general elections in India. Asif's statement came in the wake of remarks by India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Singapore, where he accused Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism at an "industry level," signaling a shift in India's stance towards addressing terrorism more assertively.

Speaking to reporters outside Islamabad's Parliament House, Asif acknowledged the historical complexities underlying the bilateral ties between Pakistan and India. He highlighted that the upcoming Indian elections, scheduled between April 19 and June 4 across seven phases for 543 Lok Sabha seats, could pave the way for better relations.

The relationship between Islamabad and New Delhi has long been strained, primarily due to the Kashmir conflict and Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism. Tensions escalated in 2019 when India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, leading Pakistan to downgrade diplomatic ties with India. Pakistan has since insisted that India must reverse its actions in Kashmir as a precondition for dialogue, while India maintains that the region's integration into the country is an internal matter.

In addition to its challenges with India, Pakistan has faced tensions with Afghanistan and Iran, with cross-border attacks exacerbating relations. Asif mentioned Pakistan's efforts, including high-level visits to Afghanistan, aimed at curbing terrorism. However, he noted challenges in finding practical solutions, particularly with the changing attitudes of the Afghan interim government towards Pakistan.

Asif emphasized the need for Afghanistan to address border security in line with international norms, restricting cross-border movements to authorized individuals. He highlighted Pakistan's historical support for Afghanistan, including sacrifices made and wars fought together, underscoring the importance of a stable and cooperative relationship between the two nations.

Overall, Asif's comments reflect Pakistan's cautious optimism for improved regional relations while acknowledging the complexities and challenges inherent in such diplomatic endeavors.