PM Shehbaz Urges India to Act as “Good Neighbor” Instead of Quarrelsome Rival

London, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on India to behave like a “good neighbor” rather than a quarrelsome rival, stressing that both countries have spent billions of dollars on four wars that could have been invested in public welfare and development.

Speaking at an Overseas Pakistanis Foundation event in London, Shehbaz said that anyone who believes Pakistan–India relations can improve without resolving the Kashmir dispute is “living in a fool’s paradise.” He reiterated that the blood of Kashmiris would not go in vain.

The prime minister also touched on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that 64,000 Palestinians have been killed amid ongoing violence. He emphasized that Pakistan seeks dialogue with India on the basis of equality, adding: “We are neighbors; we have to live side by side.”

Shehbaz Sharif praised overseas Pakistanis for their contributions through remittances, reciting an inspirational poem during his speech.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Atta Tarar told reporters that the prime minister’s address would be broadcast later today, noting that the speech drew a large and enthusiastic audience. Minister of State Aun Chaudhry added that Shehbaz also discussed the Bunyān Marsūs military operation, Pakistan’s economic challenges, and foreign relations, asserting that recent successes had enhanced the country’s global standing.