India must decide if we remain hostile or become good neighbours. PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said Pakistan and India are neighbours with no choice but to coexist, with India facing the decision to remain hostile or become good neighbours.

“Any talks with India must be fair,” said the PM, addressing a packed hall of overseas Pakistanis in London, where he also spoke about Pakistan’s development, global crises, and the country’s recent achievements.

The PM reminded the audience that Pakistan and India have fought four wars, costing billions of dollars. 

“That money should have been spent on schools, hospitals, roads, and improving the lives of ordinary citizens,” he said, stressing that ties with India cannot move forward without resolving the Kashmir issue.

“Billions of dollars spent on wars between Pakistan and India should be spent on the development and prosperity of people,” he added.

The premier vowed that the blood of millions of Kashmiris would not go in vain.

Turning to international crises, he spoke about Gaza, where more than 64,000 Palestinians have died, saying that the region is linked forever, whether people like it or not.

He once again emphasised that Pakistan wanted talks with India, but only on equal terms. Fairness and respect, he said, must guide any dialogue.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar called the convention a success and said PM Shehbaz’s speech would be broadcast later.