Lagatar24 Desk
Lahore: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has made a fresh appeal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging both nations to “bury the past” and move forward in their diplomatic relationship. Sharif, reflecting on Modi’s unexpected visit to his Lahore home in 2015, described the gesture as significant and emphasized the importance of not letting the past dictate the future of India-Pakistan relations.
Speaking to Indian journalists covering Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s visit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Pakistan, Sharif highlighted that the time was ripe for substantive engagements between the two nations. He fondly recalled the warm reception he gave Modi during his visit, which also included a meeting with Sharif’s family.
“It wasn’t a small gesture,” Sharif said, recalling how Modi, on his way back from Kabul, called him to express a desire to visit Lahore. “I welcomed him, and it was a gesture that shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
Sharif, who has served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister three times, expressed his dismay at the deterioration of ties between the two countries, particularly during the tenure of former PM Imran Khan. Sharif criticized Khan for the harsh language he used against Modi following the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
Sharif expressed optimism that Jaishankar’s visit for the SCO summit could pave the way for better diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan. While not delving into specifics about trade or reappointing high commissioners, Sharif conveyed hope that “if there’s an opening, things will emerge.”
Sharif also reflected on his 2015 peace initiative with Modi, which was quickly derailed by the Pathankot terror attack. “We lost the last 75 years, and it’s important we don’t lose another 75,” Sharif said, emphasizing the importance of not allowing peace efforts to be disrupted. He reiterated that India and Pakistan are “neighbours” and should strive to normalize ties.
The former Prime Minister further endorsed the revival of trade and sports ties, particularly cricket, between the two countries, pointing out that neither side benefits from their current strained relationship. He added, “If there’s a cricket tournament and India and Pakistan are in the final, I’d travel to India to watch it. We need to make progress.”
Sharif’s comments come at a time of cautious optimism for India-Pakistan relations, with both sides showing signs of a willingness to engage, albeit slowly.
