Experts Advocate for Renewed Dialogue to Enhance Pakistan-India Relations

In a recent event in Lahore, former Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and prominent Indian journalist Ashis Ray emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and improved relations between Pakistan and India.

Current State of Affairs:

  • Deteriorating Relations: Kasuri highlighted that the bilateral relationship is currently at one of its lowest points, primarily due to rising nationalist sentiments in India that have fostered anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan rhetoric.
  • Past Instances of Improvement: Despite historical challenges, there have been unexpected positive developments, such as former President Pervez Musharraf’s reception in New Delhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise visit to Lahore in 2015.

Proposed Initiatives for Improvement:

  • People-to-People Connections: Ray proposed leveraging technology to facilitate collaborations among artists, filmmakers, and musicians from both countries. He also suggested allowing Pakistani cricketers to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Indian cricketers in Pakistan’s Super League (PSL), including organizing joint ventures in neutral locations if direct exchanges are not feasible.
  • Economic Potential: Highlighting a 2023 World Bank study, Ray noted that 85% of Pakistan’s unrealized trade potential lies with India, underscoring the significant economic benefits of improved bilateral trade relations.

Calls for Renewed Engagement:

  • Nawaz Sharif’s Advocacy: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called for the restoration of Pakistan-India relations and cricketing ties. He expressed optimism about leveraging platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to serve as starting points for improved relations between the two neighbors. ​
  • Potential Resumption of Trade: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar indicated a willingness to “seriously” consider restoring trade ties with India, which have been suspended since August 2019. He acknowledged the eagerness of Pakistan’s business community to resume trade activities with India.

Conclusion:

The collective insights from political leaders and experts suggest that, despite current challenges, there is a shared belief that Pakistan-India relations can improve through sustained dialogue, cultural exchanges, and economic cooperation.