The recent visit of India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting on October 16 has generated discussions about a possible shift in India-Pakistan relations. Speaking exclusively to India Today, former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed optimism that Jaishankar’s visit could signal a fresh beginning for bilateral ties.
Call for Resumption of the Peace Process
Sharif emphasized the need to reignite the stalled peace process between India and Pakistan, pointing out the longstanding tensions between the two nations. He urged both countries to move forward and address pressing global issues, such as energy and climate change, in a collaborative manner.
“We should pick up the threads from where we left,” Sharif said, reflecting on the unresolved disputes that have defined relations over the decades. He added, “75 years have passed like this. Let’s not waste 75 more years.”
Hopes for Prime Minister Modi’s Participation
Sharif expressed his wish that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could have attended the SCO summit in person. “Would have loved for Modi to come,” Sharif said, while also stressing the importance of good neighborly relations, saying, “Can’t change our neighbours. We should live like good neighbours.”
Jaishankar’s Statement at SCO: A Veiled Message to Pakistan
During the SCO meeting, Jaishankar delivered a speech that indirectly addressed concerns about Pakistan. He highlighted the negative impact of cross-border terrorism, extremism, and separatism on efforts to enhance trade, energy cooperation, and connectivity within the region.
“Our endeavours will progress only when our commitment to the Charter remains firm,” Jaishankar stated. He warned that activities across borders, marked by terrorism and extremism, would hinder any efforts to foster trade, energy flows, and people-to-people exchanges.
Jaishankar Meets Pakistani Officials
Apart from attending the formal SCO meeting, Jaishankar also met with Pakistani Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, a close associate of Nawaz Sharif. The meeting further raised hopes for greater diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Jaishankar’s visit to Islamabad marks a significant moment, raising speculation about whether the troubled India-Pakistan relationship could see positive developments in the future. However, the challenges posed by security concerns and unresolved disputes remain central to the discussion.