PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif penned a letter to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Sunday saying peaceful Pakistan-India ties are imperative for the progress and socio-economic uplift of our people and for the region.
He also termed the resolution of Kashmir dispute as indispensable to achieve this objective. Indian PM Modi in his letter to Shehbaz Sharif also desired for constructive engagement.
This exchange of letters between the two prime ministers is being seen with optimism by the people for a possible thaw in the strained ties.
Indeed the cordial relations between the two neighbouring countries are very important in many ways but given the posture of the Indian leadership, especially over the last few years, one should not pin so much expectations on the courtesies shared by the two leaders.
The very sentiments expressed by PM Shehbaz in his letter clearly indicate there is no change in Pakistan’s policy of having a peaceful neighbourhood free of disputes.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan also on multiple occasions had extended goodwill gestures to the Indian leadership but unfortunately these were never reciprocated in a positive manner rather the environment was further vitiated by firstly unilaterally changing the status of illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and then carrying out an aerial strike in Balakot.
Pakistan has always expressed its readiness for dialogue but it is New Delhi which has to create an enabling environment for it whilst rising above its antagonism against Pakistan.
We will really welcome negotiations between the two countries but there should be genuine and sincere effort to resolve the lingering Jammu and Kashmir dispute by engaging and involving the true Kashmiri leadership.
The issue of terrorism must also come under discussion as Pakistan is the victim of the menace backed by Indian intelligence agency RAW.
If the dialogue takes place, our side must share with Modi government the evidence of Indian terrorism inside Pakistan territory.
SAARC is also dysfunctional because of the tense relations between Pakistan and India. It will be a good beginning if India agrees to attend the SAARC summit in Islamabad.
By promoting cooperation in diverse areas especially economy and trade, the regional countries can address the chronic issues of poverty, hunger and backwardness and secure the future of coming generations.
