Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has once again highlighted the urgent need to resolve the Kashmir conflict. In an exclusive interview with Turkish broadcaster TRT, he stressed that any talk of peace between Pakistan and India must begin with addressing the Kashmir issue.
Ambassador Sheikh dismissed the concept of a so-called “new normal” in the region. He called such ideas baseless and out of touch with reality. “Any reference to a new normal is itself an absurdity. Such statements should be avoided,” he said firmly. His words echoed Pakistan’s strong and consistent position on the Kashmir conflict.
He made it clear that the Kashmir dispute lies at the heart of the tensions between the two nations. According to him, resolving the Kashmir conflict is not optional—it is essential for lasting peace. “The resolution of the Kashmir issue will continue to affect every effort for lasting peace,” Sheikh stated with conviction.
While speaking, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace in South Asia. But he also made it clear that Pakistan will respond decisively to any form of aggression or provocation. “We are a peace-loving nation,” he said, “and we prioritize the interests of the one and a half billion people of this region.”
The ambassador also praised the efforts of the United States in calming tensions in the subcontinent. He acknowledged that the U.S. has always played a key role in de-escalating conflicts between Pakistan and India. “The United States has always been proactive in reducing tensions in the region,” he noted.
Rizwan Sheikh didn’t stop there. He also thanked Saudi Arabia and Turkey for their diplomatic support. He appreciated their continued efforts to bring both sides to the table and seek a peaceful resolution to the long-standing Kashmir conflict.
Importantly, the ambassador noted a growing international interest in the Kashmir issue. He saw this attention as a rare chance for lasting peace. But he also warned that temporary focus is not enough. “The world’s attention to the Kashmir issue is encouraging, but this connection and continuity are extremely important,” he explained.
He emphasized that this moment must not be wasted. Global powers, especially the U.S., must stay engaged. The road to peace between Pakistan and India runs through Kashmir. Without resolving the Kashmir conflict, true stability will remain out of reach.
