Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has issued a strong call for reconciliation between India and Pakistan, urging the two nations to ‘bury the past’ and focus on building a positive future as good neighbors. His comments, delivered during a conversation with Indian journalists, followed the recent visit of Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to Islamabad, which Sharif described as a ‘good opening.’
Sharif, a three-time prime minister and president of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N), emphasized the need for both countries to engage in collaborative dialogue and move forward together. He expressed his disappointment with the ‘long-pause’ in bilateral ties, citing the positive impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise trip to Lahore in December 2015 as a stark contrast. ‘We can’t change our neighbours, neither can Pakistan nor can India. We should live like good neighbours,’ Sharif stated, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful and cooperative relationship.
Highlighting his own role in fostering this positive future, Sharif declared, ‘That is the role I am trying to play.’ He further elaborated on his vision, stating, ‘We should not go to the past and should look at the future. It would be better if we bury the past so that we can use the potential between the two countries.’
Sharif also acknowledged Jaishankar’s trip to Islamabad as a significant step in the right direction, stating, ‘I think it (Jaishankar’s visit) is an opening and it must be taken forward.’ He further emphasized that dialogue and engagement are crucial to resolving the long-standing issues between the two nations.
The former prime minister’s comments come against the backdrop of a strained relationship between India and Pakistan, marred by a history of political and territorial disputes, coupled with cross-border terrorism. Sharif laid the blame for the deterioration of relations at the feet of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, specifically citing certain comments made by Khan against Prime Minister Modi as damaging to the relationship.
Sharif called for a complete reset in the relationship, advocating for a future of collaboration and shared prosperity. He particularly emphasized the importance of rekindling cricketing ties between the two nations, stating, ‘What do we gain by not sending teams to each other’s countries? They play all over the world, but it is not allowed in our two countries.’ He even expressed his desire to travel to India if the two teams were to play in the final of any major tournament in the neighboring country.
Beyond sports, Sharif also underlined the immense potential of trade and economic collaboration between India and Pakistan, highlighting the shared benefits for both countries. ‘Maybe my thinking is different from others, but I believe we are a potential market for each other. Why should Indian and Pakistani farmers and manufacturers go outside to sell their products? Goods now go from Amritsar to Lahore via Dubai – what are we doing, who is benefitting from this? What should take two hours now takes two weeks,’ he remarked, emphasizing the inefficiencies and missed opportunities of current trade patterns.
Sharif concluded by expressing fond memories of the 1999 visit to Lahore by then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, highlighting the signing of the Lahore Declaration as a key milestone in India-Pakistan relations. ‘He is still remembered for the Lahore Declaration and his words at the time. I watch the videos of that visit as it feels great remembering the pleasant memories,’ he said, echoing the hope that similar moments of cooperation and progress can once again define the relationship between the two countries.
