Khalil Hashmi has served as Pakistan’s ambassador to China since November 2023, marking his second diplomatic posting in Beijing. Over his nearly 30-year career, he has held key assignments in several capitals, including Copenhagen, as well as at Pakistan’s missions to the United Nations in both New York and Geneva. He has worked on policy issues including arms control, counterterrorism, human rights and climate change. For other interviews in the Open Questions series, click here. India and Pakistan have accused each other of ceasefire violations in Kashmir. What is Pakistan’s current position, and what are the key next steps or strategies envisioned for achieving a peaceful resolution?
Pakistan remains committed to the
ceasefire understanding and is of the considered view that its faithful implementation is essential for preserving regional peace and stability.
Meetings between the directors general of military operations of both countries have been taking place since May 10. The good news is both sides have agreed to stage-wise de-escalation and demobilisation. Each side has also released one soldier as a goodwill gesture.
As for key next steps, our approach is anchored in the principles of the UN charter, international law and global norms of state behaviour. A dozen resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council and accepted by both Pakistan and India provide a blueprint for peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
This unresolved dispute has festered for decades and is the key driver of
tensions and the root cause of conflict between Pakistan and India. According to Article 25 of the UN charter, all UN member states are required to accept and carry out the decisions of the UN Security Council. Pakistan wishes to resolve this dispute through dialogue and diplomacy.
That said, the fulfilment of this aspiration shared by the international community requires a willing partner on the other side. We welcome [US] President [Donald] Trump’s offer to mediate on the Jammu and
Kashmir dispute.
