Indian and Pakistani public figures urge Modi and Sharif to revive bilateral engagement
More than 100 politicians, retired diplomats and civil society representatives from India and Pakistan have jointly appealed to Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif to restore diplomatic dialogue and improve relations between the two countries.
The joint appeal urges both governments to reopen communication channels, resume trade and transport services and encourage greater interaction between citizens.
The letter, dated June 30, carries the signatures of 116 individuals—61 from India and 55 from Pakistan. Among the Indian signatories are former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, former RAW chief A.S. Dulat, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar. Pakistani signatories include former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
Coordinated by O.P. Shah, chairman of the Centre for Peace and Progress, the appeal argues that sustained dialogue remains the most effective way to address differences between the two countries.
The signatories called for restoring full diplomatic relations, including the return of high commissioners, the resumption of regular visa services and the revival of a comprehensive bilateral dialogue covering all pending issues.
The letter also recommends renewed discussions on Jammu and Kashmir, including revisiting proposals developed between 2004 and 2007, while advocating measures aimed at reducing military tensions and addressing the security concerns of both nations.