Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) President Nawaz Sharif expressed optimism on Thursday about the potential for improved relations between India and Pakistan following the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, which saw the participation of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in a rare visit.
Speaking to a delegation of Indian journalists covering the summit, Nawaz Sharif suggested that the event could mark the beginning of a thaw in the historically tense ties between the two nations. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Federal Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb were also present during the meeting.
Nawaz emphasized the importance of reviving cricket diplomacy as a means to foster better relations between India and Pakistan. He proposed that the Indian cricket team should visit Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, stating, “If you ask the Indian cricket team, they would suggest playing in Pakistan. Though they are ready, those in power to allow them don’t grant permission.”
Reflecting on the absence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the SCO conference, Nawaz noted that while it would have been better if Modi had attended, the participation of the Indian foreign minister was still a positive step. Jaishankar’s presence at the Islamabad conference marked the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade.
In his discussion, Nawaz acknowledged the bitter past shared by the two countries but stressed the need to look forward and focus on the future. He pointed to climate change and bilateral trade as critical areas where both nations could collaborate. He highlighted the suspended trade ties, which have caused a surge in the cost of essential Indian commodities in Pakistan, suggesting that improved relations could result in faster, more efficient transportation of goods between the two countries.
Earlier in the week, Nawaz was interviewed by prominent Indian journalist Barkha Dutt, where he reiterated his hope for a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and advocated for stronger bilateral relations.
“I have always been a supporter of good relations with India,” Nawaz stated, expressing his optimism about reviving ties and seizing the opportunity for a fresh start between the two neighboring nations.
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