ISLAMABAD:
A day after breaking the news of ceasefire between Pakistan and India, US President Donald Trump on Sunday went a step further and offered assistance to both the nuclear armed neighbours to resolving their longstanding dispute over Kashmir.
Trump during his first term had offered mediation on Kashmir but this time he went a step further. India previously rebuffed his mediation offer and is unlikely to give any positive response to the fresh proposal.
But the fact that Trump’s push for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute punctured the Indian narrative that made desperate attempts over the past few years to portray the Kashmir issue as India’s domestic problem.
Trump used his Truth Social platform to make the offer, saying he was ready to work with India and Pakistan to achieve a “solution” for the long-disputed Kashmir region. “I will work with you, both to see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir,” Trump said in his post.
Trump also took credit for the ceasefire announced on Saturday. “I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision,” he wrote. “While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great nations.”
Pakistan welcomed Trump’s proposal and said that it was ready to work with the United States, seeking resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
“We acknowledge with appreciation the constructive role played by the United States, alongside other friendly states, in supporting the recent ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India; a step towards de-escalation and regional stability,” read a statement issued here by the Foreign Office.
“We also appreciate President Trump’s expressed willingness to support efforts aimed at the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute – a longstanding issue that has serious implications for peace and security in South Asia and beyond,” it said.
The statement said that Pakistan reaffirmed that any just and lasting settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and must ensure the realisation of the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people, including their inalienable right to self-determination.
“Pakistan remains committed to engaging with the United States and the international community in efforts to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the region. We also look forward to deepening our multifaceted partnership with the United States, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and economic cooperation,” according to the Foreign Office.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also welcomed the suggestion and showered praise on Trump for “his path-breaking leadership and commitment to global peace and for his most valuable offer to play a greater role in bringing lasting peace to South Asia.”
“For decades, Pakistan and the US have been partners who worked together closely to protect and promote our mutual interests as well as for peace and security in critical parts of the world,” Prime Minister Shehbaz wrote on social media platform of X.
“I am confident that in President Trump, Pakistan has found a great partner, who can reinvigorate our strategic partnership and strengthen Pakistan-US ties, not only in trade and investment but in all other areas of cooperation,” Shehbaz added.
Pakistan and India agreed to a ceasefire brokered by the United States after 5 days of military standoff that brought the two countries on the brink of an all-out war. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio provided details how he along with US Vice President JD Vance worked behind the scenes for 48 hours to persuade both sides to a truce.
Secretary Rubio revealed that as part of the ceasefire deal, India and Pakistan would hold talks to discuss a broad range of issues at a neutral venue. According to Pakistani officials, the issue of Kashmir and Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) would be on top of the agenda whenever such talks take place.
India, meanwhile, has yet to react to Secretary Rubio’s statement about talks at a neutral venue. India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has long adopted a policy of not holding any talks with Pakistan. If they agree that would be a major departure from their earlier stance.
