Lahore: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s recent statements in Lahore call for India and Pakistan to move beyond past hostilities and focus on building a positive future as neighboring countries. Sharif expressed hope that Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan for the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) meeting could serve as an “opening” to improve relations, despite the strained history marked by terror attacks and political disagreements.
Sharif emphasized the importance of resuming dialogue and cooperation, particularly in areas such as trade and sports, noting that the two nations are key potential markets for each other. He also lamented the lack of cricketing ties, calling for more engagement between the teams and highlighting how trade inefficiencies, like the detour of goods through Dubai, are detrimental to both countries.
While Jaishankar’s visit was not meant for bilateral talks but to attend a multilateral meeting, Sharif sees this as an opportunity for both sides to reassess their relationship and work toward a more peaceful and cooperative future. He also criticized former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s rhetoric, suggesting that Khan’s comments contributed to the deterioration of Indo-Pak relations.
Sharif’s call for “burying the past” reflects his vision of overcoming decades of conflict, encouraging both nations to explore trade, cultural, and sporting exchanges that could benefit their economies and people.
