Pakistani prime minister says they are ready for talks with India on normalizing relations

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed readiness to start negotiations with India on the improvement of bilateral relations.

"…We cannot become normal neighbours unless abnormalities are removed, our serious issues are understood and addressed through peaceful and meaningful discussion,” the Dawn newspaper quoted the prime minister as saying.

Referring to India and Pakistan, Sharif stated that war is not a means of resolving contentious issues between countries. “We have nothing against anybody. We have to look after our own self. Build our nation. Even with our neighbour, we are prepared to talk to them provided that the neighbour is serious to talk serious matters on the table. Because war is no longer an option. Pakistan is a nuclear power, not for aggression but for our defence purposes,” he said.