Pakistan (Commonwealth Union)_ In a compelling address to Indian journalists, former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif underscored the urgent need for India and Pakistan to transcend their historical conflicts. His call to bury the past and foster better relations reflects a growing sentiment for peace and cooperation between the two nations. This message comes on the heels of Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to Islamabad, which Sharif hailed as a significant step toward rebuilding ties.
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Sharif, who has held the premiership three times, defined Jaishankar’s attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave in Pakistan as a promising opening for dialogue. Notably, this visit marked the first time in nearly a decade that an Indian foreign minister participated in an official event in Pakistan. While there was no formal meeting between Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart, Sharif and various officials viewed the visit as a potential ice-breaker.
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Reflecting on the past, Sharif expressed disappointment regarding the strained relations between the two countries since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise visit to Lahore in December 2015. He urged both nations to focus on future possibilities rather than being trapped in historical grievances. He stated, “We can’t change our neighbours; we should live like good neighbours,” highlighting the significance of their geographical and political realities.
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The complexities of India-Pakistan relations, characterized by periods of tension and conflict, were exacerbated with events such as the 2016 terror attacks in India attributed to Pakistan-based groups. Sharif offered to play a bridge-building role, advocating for a forward-looking dialogue. He insisted, “We must pick up the threads of our conversation. We should not let this go on for the next 70 years”. Sharif also criticized former Prime Minister Imran Khan for remarks that he believed worsened the relationship. He stated that leaders must refrain from inflammatory language, urging that “as leaders of the two countries and neighbours, we should not even think, let alone utter such words.”
In addition to diplomatic engagement, Sharif called for the resumption of cricket ties and the establishment of trade relations between India and Pakistan. He noted the practical benefits of direct trade, lamenting that goods currently travel from Amritsar to Lahore via Dubai, a journey that should ideally take two hours but instead takes two weeks. He said, “Goods now go from Amritsar to Lahore via Dubai. What should take two hours now takes two weeks,” underscoring the economic advantages of cooperation.
Sharif also reminisced about the Lahore Declaration of 1999, a pivotal agreement between him and then-Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which is often regarded as a milestone in India-Pakistan relations. This declaration represented a commitment to peace and collaboration, aspirations that Sharif believes should be revived in contemporary discourse. The deterioration of bilateral ties has been marked by significant events, including India’s airstrike in Balakot in February 2019 following the Pulwama terror attack, and the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in August 2019. These actions have deepened the rift between the two nations, complicating diplomatic efforts and mutual understanding.
Despite these challenges, Sharif remains optimistic that recent diplomatic interactions signal a positivity in relations. He advocated for rebuilding trust and establishing practical collaborations that could ultimately enhance the well-being of citizens in both countries. The potential for a mutually beneficial relationship is vast, provided both sides are willing to engage in constructive dialogue. As Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continues to navigate these complex dynamics, the insights and calls for peace from Nawaz Sharif could play a vital role in shaping a more cooperative future. The collective vision of the Pakistan Muslim League, along with the strategic interests of both nations, underscores the importance of a pragmatic approach to foreign policy.
Furthermore, as Nawaz Sharif urges India and Pakistan to bury the past, his message resonates with many who hope for a future defined by collaboration rather than conflict. The path ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the desire for peace and prosperity remains a powerful motivator for both nations to redefine their relationship. It is indeed time for both countries to embrace the opportunity for dialogue, cooperation, and friendship, echoing the essence of being good neighbours.
