Nawaz Sharif reaches out to India after Jaishankar’s visit.
“We should not dwell on the past and instead focus on the future,” Nawaz Sharif stated. He emphasized the importance of moving forward, suggesting that it would be beneficial to bury past grievances to unlock the potential for cooperation between the two nations. Sharif’s comments come in the wake of recent diplomatic engagements and signify a willingness to improve relations. He highlighted the need for constructive dialogue, which could pave the way for enhanced economic, political, and social ties. By prioritizing a forward-looking approach, Sharif believes both countries can foster a more harmonious and prosperous relationship.
Lahore: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called for India and Pakistan to “bury” the past and focus on building a future as good neighbors. His remarks came in light of Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent trip to Islamabad, which Sharif described as a “good opening” for renewed dialogue. Speaking with Indian journalists, the three-time prime minister expressed his dissatisfaction with the prolonged pause in relations and emphasized the importance of constructive engagement between the two nations.
Sharif recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise visit to Lahore in December 2015, stating that such gestures are significant and should not be overlooked. He noted that both countries cannot change their neighbors and must strive to coexist peacefully. “We should live like good neighbors,” he asserted, highlighting the need for a forward-looking approach.
When asked about the role of a bridge-builder between India and Pakistan, Sharif stated, “That is the role I am trying to play.” He expressed hope that both sides could engage in discussions to explore how to advance their relationship, rather than continuing decades of conflict. Sharif remarked, “We have spent 70 years in this way (fighting), and we should not let this go on for the next 70 years.”
Jaishankar’s trip marked the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly nine years. While the visit occurred amidst strained ties, some senior Pakistani officials view it as an “ice-breaker” for future dialogue. Sharif reiterated the need to pick up the threads of conversation and find common ground.
Despite the absence of a bilateral meeting between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave, Sharif characterized Jaishankar’s visit as a positive development. “This is how things should go ahead. I have said before that we must pick up the threads of our conversation,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the impact of the diplomatic standoff, Sharif held former Prime Minister Imran Khan responsible for the deterioration in relations, criticizing Khan’s comments about Prime Minister Modi. He stated, “As leaders of the two countries and neighbors, we should not even think, let alone utter such words.”
Sharif conveyed his desire to see a resumption of cricketing ties between the two nations, emphasizing the mutual benefits of sporting exchanges. “What do we gain by not sending teams to each other’s countries?” he questioned, advocating for more interaction and understanding through sports.
On trade relations, Sharif underscored the potential for economic cooperation, arguing that Indian and Pakistani farmers and manufacturers should be able to sell their products without needing to go through third countries like Dubai. He pointed out that this inefficiency prolongs trade processes and hampers the economies of both nations.
Sharif fondly remembered the Lahore Declaration, signed during then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit in 1999, viewing it as a milestone in India-Pakistan relations. “He is still remembered for the Lahore Declaration and his words at the time,” he said, expressing a desire to return to those more amicable times.
The relationship between India and Pakistan has faced significant challenges, particularly following India’s military action in Balakot in February 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack. Relations worsened further after India’s decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. Despite these tensions, Sharif’s recent remarks indicate a willingness to engage in dialogue and seek peaceful coexistence between the two nations.
By advocating for a fresh start, Sharif aims to foster a climate of cooperation that could lead to tangible benefits for both countries. He believes that with commitment and openness to dialogue, India and Pakistan can overcome historical grievances and build a more prosperous future together.