Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, described the recent visit of India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, to Islamabad as a “good opening” to improve relations between the two countries. This statement was reported by the news agency PTI.
Jaishankar visited Pakistan on Tuesday for a brief, nearly 24-hour trip to attend a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, marking the first time an Indian foreign minister has visited Pakistan in nine years. This visit occurred amid the ongoing tension between the neighboring nations.
A Call for Engagement and Moving Forward
During a discussion with Indian journalists, Nawaz Sharif, who has served as Pakistan’s prime minister three times and is the current president of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N), emphasized that it is time for both countries to engage in dialogue and progress towards improving their relationship.
Sharif commended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unexpected visit to Lahore in December 2015 and expressed disappointment over the prolonged pause in diplomatic ties since then. He urged both sides to adopt a positive outlook and move forward.
“We can’t change our neighbours, neither can Pakistan nor can India. We should live like good neighbours,” said the 74-year-old leader. He further added, “We have spent 70 years in this way (fighting) and we should not let this go on for the next 70 years… Both sides should sit down and discuss how to go forward.”
Criticism of Imran Khan’s Role in Deteriorating Relations
Nawaz Sharif pointed out that the current breakdown in communication between India and Pakistan was largely due to the actions of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. He specifically mentioned Khan’s comments directed at Prime Minister Modi, which he believes significantly harmed the bilateral relationship.
“Imran Khan used words that destroyed the relationship—as leaders of the two countries and neighbours, we should not even think, let alone utter such words,” Sharif stated, referring to a post Imran Khan made in September 2018, which was believed to target Modi.
Sharif’s Vision for Building Bridges Between the Countries
Sharif also expressed his desire to play a role in improving ties between India and Pakistan. He highlighted the significance of resuming trade and cricket between the two nations as ways to ease tensions and rebuild relations.
Trade between India and Pakistan has been halted since 2019, following India’s decision to impose heavy duties on Pakistani imports in response to the Pulwama attack in the same year. Sharif stressed the importance of restoring these ties to break the ice and encourage peaceful relations between the neighboring countries.