Pakistani PM Clarifies Kashmir Stance to President Muizzu During Official Visit

Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's position on Jammu and Kashmir to Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his ongoing official visit to Islamabad. The clarification came following a formal meeting between the two leaders on Monday. In a joint statement after the talks, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan would continue to seek a peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir issue, which he described as being under Indian occupation. He reiterated that the only lasting solution is for Kashmir to become an independent and sovereign state, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions. While Shehbaz Sharif spoke at length about Kashmir, President Muizzu's statement did not touch on the matter. The Pakistani premier also criticised India's decision last year to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, a 1960 water-sharing agreement between the two countries. Sharif said violations of such international treaties are unacceptable and that water resources should not be used as weapons of political pressure. President Muizzu's visit to Pakistan is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. The two countries have signed several agreements, including a military Memorandum of Understanding, and have set a target to increase bilateral trade to $200 million within two years.