Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, whose brother Shehbaz Sharif is the incumbent PM, has called for a revival of India-Pakistan relations, highlighting the 2015 visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Lahore as a symbol of potential for improved ties. Sharif’s remarks come amidst a thawing of relations between the two nations, with recent gestures of diplomacy from both sides.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has urged India and Pakistan to ‘bury the past’ and focus on building a positive future as good neighbors. He sees the recent visit of Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to Islamabad as a ‘good opening’ and hopes for a revival of bilateral relations, citing the positive impact of Prime Minister Modi’s 2015 visit to Lahore. Sharif criticizes the current state of relations, holding former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan responsible for their deterioration. He highlights the potential of a strong India-Pakistan relationship and advocates for the resumption of cricketing ties, trade, and economic collaboration.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed optimism about improving relations with India during EAM S Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan for the SCO summit. He urged both nations to move past the past and strengthen ties, even suggesting a visit from PM Modi. However, sources indicate that while Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart held informal conversations, there was no significant thaw in the bilateral relationship.
Nawaz Sharif’s son-in-law, Capt (retd.) Muhammad Safdar, has alleged that the Pakistani military approached Nawaz Sharif in London in 2022, requesting his return to rescue the country from Imran Khan’s government. Safdar claims that the military intervened to prevent Nawaz from becoming Prime Minister, citing the manipulation of election results and the offer of the Punjab Chief Minister position to Maryam Nawaz. The allegations come amidst ongoing political turmoil in Pakistan, with accusations of election rigging and influence by the military establishment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to messages from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former Premier Nawaz Sharif, emphasizing India’s unwavering commitment to the well-being and security of its citizens. Nawaz Sharif had congratulated Modi for his third consecutive election victory and urged for a focus on hope and progressive ideas. Modi’s response referenced India’s stance that talks with Pakistan cannot take place in the presence of terrorism emanating from its territory. This was the first time that Pakistan had delayed sending a congratulatory message following a Modi election victory. Other leaders from neighboring countries, including Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, attended Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi.
PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui has refuted claims that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was prevented from returning to the PM Office by an ‘unseen power’ or his brother, Shehbaz Sharif. According to Siddiqui, during meetings with Nawaz Sharif ahead of the 2024 elections, he sensed a lack of eagerness from Nawaz to assume the prime ministership for a fourth term. Siddiqui emphasized that Nawaz Sharif is still very much involved in decision-making within the party, providing input on matters such as cabinet appointments and economic policy.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will embark on a five-day personal visit to China on Monday to receive medical attention, marking his first foreign tour since returning from a four-year self-imposed exile in the UK in October 2023.
