"Desire Peaceful, Cooperative Ties": PM Shehbaz Sharif in his letter to PM Modi

[MenInG]

New Delhi: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has written a letter to his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, pitching for "meaningful" engagement between the two countries, people familiar with the development said on Sunday.

Sharif's communication on Saturday came in response to a letter sent by Modi to the Pakistani leader congratulating him on becoming the prime minister, they said.

In his letter a few days ago, Modi conveyed to Sharif that India desired constructive ties with Pakistan.

On April 11, the Pakistan parliament selected Sharif as the 23rd prime minister of the country, a day after Imran Khan was ousted from power in a no-confidence vote.

In a Twitter post, Modi congratulated Sharif on becoming the prime minister of Pakistan and said India desires peace and stability in a region free of terrorism.

"Congratulations to H. E. Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror, so that we can focus on our development challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of our people," he tweeted on April 11.

In his response, Sharif said Pakistan desires peaceful and cooperative ties with India.

"Thank you Premier Narendra Modi for felicitations. Pakistan desires peaceful & cooperative ties with India. Peaceful settlement of outstanding disputes including Jammu & Kashmir is indispensable. Pakistan's sacrifices in fighting terrorism are well-known. Let's secure peace and focus on socio-economic development of our people," the Pakistan prime minister tweeted.

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/des...s-shehbaz-sharif-in-letter-to-pm-modi-2895425

 

[KingKhanWC]

This means, Modi is happy a crook is in charge, he can pay him off or help with Sharifs business interests. In return this sell out imported government will sit back and watch while Kashmris are persecuted.

 

[Major]

This is better and it shows we have much sane heads at the center now.

Much better than the last pm who was appeasing India for their foreign policy, to which the Army had to test their missiles..

Hopefully trade with India could be improved

 

[MenInG]

This is better and it shows we have much sane heads at the center now.

Much better than the last pm who was appeasing India for their foreign policy, to which the Army had to test their missiles..

Hopefully trade with India could be improved

I guess beggars can't be chosers.

 

[KingKhanWC]

If BJP Foriegn Minister meets Bilawal, it could be fun if Bilo remembers what he said and his policy.

"I will take back entire Kashmir from India: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari"

But I'd put my house on Bilo changing his tune now & bowing down to India.

 

[Manunited18]

A crook will always find common ground with his ilk. Imran being a champion for the less privileged would never compromise a deal with modhi which in return would sacrifice the treatment on the Kashmiris.

 

[Major]

A crook will always find common ground with his ilk. Imran being a champion for the less privileged would never compromise a deal with modhi which in return would sacrifice the treatment on the Kashmiris.

Imran praised India for its FP. Sheikh Rasheed admitted indirectly that Ajmal Kasab was from Pakistan.

That praise for Indias FP was not liked by the army who had to do a test missile to clear things out

 

[KingKhanWC]

A crook will always find common ground with his ilk. Imran being a champion for the less privileged would never compromise a deal with modhi which in return would sacrifice the treatment on the Kashmiris.

He is already bowing down calling Kashmiris who resist(freedom fighters) as terrorists.

India the state occupier will now speed up its Zionist type policies in Kashmir, knowing these clowns will sit back and watch Bollywood while their abuses become even more disgusting.

Imo the Kashmiris as is their moral and legal right, should resist as stong as they possibly can until these imported puppets are thrown out.

 

[Manunited18]

He is already bowing down calling Kashmiris who resist(freedom fighters) as terrorists.

India the state occupier will now speed up its Zionist type policies in Kashmir, knowing these clowns will sit back and watch Bollywood while their abuses become even more disgusting.

Imo the Kashmiris as is their moral and legal right, should resist as stong as they possibly can until these imported puppets are thrown out.

This puppet regimes use as a lapdog is in full force.

 

[Manunited18]

Imran praised India for its FP. Sheikh Rasheed admitted indirectly that Ajmal Kasab was from Pakistan.

That praise for Indias FP was not liked by the army who had to do a test missile to clear things out

He praised their foreign policy in how they react to the west, please stop spinning things in trying to defend PDM's status as a puppet regime.

 

[KingKhanWC]

He praised their foreign policy in how they react to the west, please stop spinning things in trying to defend PDM's status as a puppet regime.

Its a shame this needs to spelled out. IK was ofcourse referring to India's view on Russian trade and relations. It was a great move because it also puts India in the spotlight. Are there people out there who think he was referring to Indias policy in Kashmir? lol

 

[Mamoon]

Not even a week and SS has bent over.

That started couple of weeks back when the fake messiah praised India’s foreign policy before getting booted out.

 

[KingKhanWC]

That started couple of weeks back when the fake messiah praised India’s foreign policy before getting booted out.

What is your opinion on Shehbaz's friendship with India? Do you feel he should allow India to bomb Pakistani land inc Madrassas?

 

[Major]

He praised their foreign policy in how they react to the west, please stop spinning things in trying to defend PDM's status as a puppet regime.

appeasement. There was no need to appease India.

Anyways, the Pak Army over ruled Imran there aswell as the next day they launched a missile test

 

[Manunited18]

Its a shame this needs to spelled out. IK was ofcourse referring to India's view on Russian trade and relations. It was a great move because it also puts India in the spotlight. Are there people out there who think he was referring to Indias policy in Kashmir? lol

Lol yes, the naysayers will spin things.

 

[Major]

He is already bowing down calling Kashmiris who resist(freedom fighters) as terrorists.

India the state occupier will now speed up its Zionist type policies in Kashmir, knowing these clowns will sit back and watch Bollywood while their abuses become even more disgusting.

Imo the Kashmiris as is their moral and legal right, should resist as stong as they possibly can until these imported puppets are thrown out.

Didnt our last pm bow down to the Chinese and not recognize the geneocide against the ughyr muslims?

 

[Varun]

Like Palestine, the Kashmir issue is an unsolve-able problem, regardless of whoever is in power in India and Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif isn't going to solve the problem either. *shock* *horror*

So might as well have good relations with India outside of that. Trade can be upped, perhaps a cricket series or two, etc.

 

[Major]

Like Palestine, the Kashmir issue is an unsolve-able problem, regardless of whoever is in power in India and Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif isn't going to solve the problem either. *shock* *horror*

So might as well have good relations with India outside of that. Trade can be upped, perhaps a cricket series or two, etc.

Palestine is a religious issue and a lost cause. Plus, there is too much propoganda fed into on both side.

Kashmir isnt a religious issue. The problem with kashmir is that compromises have to be made. Pakistan was better off had they take advantage of Nehru where he was ready to give kashmir valley away amd keep ladakh and other areas under sir owen dixons plan.

Kashmir valley is the only issue and its better pakistan and negotiate on it. Pakistans loss would be the kargil areas...
And if this gets solved, mighr aswell through in rann of kutch.

But once kashmir gets solved, a third group might emrge that would ask for independence which Pakistan nor India plans to give

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

What is your opinion on Shehbaz's friendship with India? Do you feel he should allow India to bomb Pakistani land inc Madrassas?

What friendship are you talking about? Writing a begging letter doesn't mean that India will respond favourably. They'll respond by sending demands for handover of such and such terrorist, while giggling over the state sanctioned ethnic cleansing at home.

 

[pillionrider]

While Imran Khan was around, it felt impossible for an Ind-Pak series to happen. IK had targeted Modi personally so many times, there was no way the latter was going to allow such a tour which would eventually be looked at as a win for the former cricketer.

I wonder now if Modi will agree to a series. If nothing, just to spite IK. And the reality is, it comes down to that. India is the one who has to agree because Pakistan has been keen for a while now.

Also wonder - let's assume a successful Ind-Pak series. Maybe even a tour of Pak .
Wonder how the general Pakistani populace will perceive this, especially PTI supporters.

Can Kohli in Pakistan and plenty of lovey-dovey off-the-field events boost Sharif's ratings?

 

[pillionrider]

While Imran Khan was around, it felt impossible for an Ind-Pak series to happen. IK had targeted Modi personally so many times, there was no way the latter was going to allow such a tour which would eventually be looked at as a win for the former cricketer.

I wonder now if Modi will agree to a series. If nothing, just to spite IK. And the reality is, it comes down to that. India is the one who has to agree because Pakistan has been keen for a while now.

Also wonder - let's assume a successful Ind-Pak series. Maybe even a tour of Pak .
Wonder how the general Pakistani populace will perceive this, especially PTI supporters.

Can Kohli in Pakistan and plenty of lovey-dovey off-the-field events boost Sharif's ratings?

The Indian view doesn't matter. If Modi wants it, his hardcore fans will develop a taste for Pakistan. And the Godi media will spin it, so the rest fall in line.

 

[daytrader]

Imran praised India for its FP. Sheikh Rasheed admitted indirectly that Ajmal Kasab was from Pakistan.

That praise for Indias FP was not liked by the army who had to do a test missile to clear things out

The missle test Pakistan conducted was a ti£ for tat response to the 'accidental' hyper sonic missle launched towards Pakistan. That response should've come sooner but Pak army was busy interfering in local politics

 

[Major]

The missle test Pakistan conducted was a ti£ for tat response to the 'accidental' hyper sonic missle launched towards Pakistan. That response should've come sooner but Pak army was busy interfering in local politics

As usual, you are wrong.

The missile test was done just to let india be clear that what the true intentions are. They were able to distance away from imrans immature comments

 

[daytrader]

As usual, you are wrong.

The missile test was done just to let india be clear that what the true intentions are. They were able to distance away from imrans immature comments

Ok bro, you are always right. Let's just ignore the history of all our missile tests conducted just because you believe it was a political move

 

[Varun]

Maybe missiles are the way India and the Pakistan military covertly communicate?

With the Brahmos accidental firing, India asked a question as to whether Bajwa was booting out Imran, and then they responded with their own missile test - "yes".

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Exchanging letters is fine but I doubt it will go beyond that. When dealing with Pakistan eventually a demand of loan will come which most probably will have to be written off. India is doing well without Pakistan and don’t need anything from them. Besides Pakistanis don’t want even a chappal made in India so no point of any trade talks. Let things be as they are.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

PM Modi, Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif to meet in Tashkent?

According to sources, back channels discussions are underway between Indian and Pakistani officials to formalise a meeting between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Pakistan's newly-appointed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the SCO summit in Tashkent in July.

PM Modi and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif are expected to attend the SCO summit on July 17 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Highly placed sources say if the meeting between two leaders transpires, then PM Modi may visit the Katas Raj Temple in Pakistan

Sources say the Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif may then host the Indian prime minister in Islamabad.

Both prime ministers had recently exchanged messages on Twitter after Shehbaz Sharif was appointed PM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's brother ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif to India during his swearing-in ceremony in 2014.

The meeting between Sharif and PM Modi however may be subject to stability within the military ranks, sources claim with Pakistan's Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa's term due to expire in November.

Reports claimed earlier former PM Imran Khan had tried to sack General Bajwa amid the no-confidence drama in Parliament this month.

In 2015, PM Modi had visited Pakistan to meet ex-PM Nawaz Sharif during a surprise stopover in Lahore. However, relations between the two sides nosedived after the 2016 Pathankot terrorist attack and the 2019 Pulwama terror attack.

Both countries had earlier pulled out their high commissioners from each other's countries. India has been operating its mission with a curtailed staff. The possible meeting between PM Modi and Pakistan PM Sharif could be the first step towards the restoration of ties between the two countries, sources say.

(With inputs from Agencies)

https://www.wionews.com/india/pm-modi-pak-pm-shehbaz-sharif-to-meet-in-tashkent-471798

 

[Varun]

PM Modi, Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif to meet in Tashkent?

Of all places.

 

[RajBan]

Exchanging letters is fine but I doubt it will go beyond that. When dealing with Pakistan eventually a demand of loan will come which most probably will have to be written off. India is doing well without Pakistan and don’t need anything from them. Besides Pakistanis don’t want even a chappal made in India so no point of any trade talks. Let things be as they are.

This is an interesting scenario and not impossible either. But Modi will like to ensure that any money loaned to Pakistan is granted to a long term government , otherwise if IK comes back to power, may simply deny to pay it back.

 

[RajBan]

Of all places.

Ha ha. Don't think many posters will get that.

 

[RajBan]

PM Modi, Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif to meet in Tashkent?

According to sources, back channels discussions are underway between Indian and Pakistani officials to formalise a meeting between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Pakistan's newly-appointed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the SCO summit in Tashkent in July.

PM Modi and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif are expected to attend the SCO summit on July 17 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Highly placed sources say if the meeting between two leaders transpires, then PM Modi may visit the Katas Raj Temple in Pakistan

Sources say the Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif may then host the Indian prime minister in Islamabad.

Both prime ministers had recently exchanged messages on Twitter after Shehbaz Sharif was appointed PM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's brother ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif to India during his swearing-in ceremony in 2014.

The meeting between Sharif and PM Modi however may be subject to stability within the military ranks, sources claim with Pakistan's Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa's term due to expire in November.

Reports claimed earlier former PM Imran Khan had tried to sack General Bajwa amid the no-confidence drama in Parliament this month.

In 2015, PM Modi had visited Pakistan to meet ex-PM Nawaz Sharif during a surprise stopover in Lahore. However, relations between the two sides nosedived after the 2016 Pathankot terrorist attack and the 2019 Pulwama terror attack.

Both countries had earlier pulled out their high commissioners from each other's countries. India has been operating its mission with a curtailed staff. The possible meeting between PM Modi and Pakistan PM Sharif could be the first step towards the restoration of ties between the two countries, sources say.

(With inputs from Agencies)

https://www.wionews.com/india/pm-modi-pak-pm-shehbaz-sharif-to-meet-in-tashkent-471798

If Modi goes to Katas Raj Temple, that will mean that Army is truly ready to engage India. I don't think Shahbaz has the authority nor intention to act independently ( unlike Nawaz) when it comes to foreign policy and engaging India. This will also mean that Army and PMLN believes that Imran won't win next NA elections or able to manipulate any benefit out of this visit.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

This is an interesting scenario and not impossible either. But Modi will like to ensure that any money loaned to Pakistan is granted to a long term government , otherwise if IK comes back to power, may simply deny to pay it back.

It is an interesting scenario but it is pure fantasy from an anti Pakistan poster.

There is no chance in hell Pakistan will ever ask for a loan from India. The PR is too damaging. I mean India was happy to let dead bodies pile up and refused oxygen from Pakistan during their recent covid debacle.

The restoration of some ties and cultural links would be great though, only a zealot would refuse them.

Ultimately peace will benefit both countries and they can seek to divest from defence funding into other areas.

 

[RajBan]

It is an interesting scenario but it is pure fantasy from an anti Pakistan poster.

There is no chance in hell Pakistan will ever ask for a loan from India. The PR is too damaging. I mean India was happy to let dead bodies pile up and refused oxygen from Pakistan during their recent covid debacle.

The restoration of some ties and cultural links would be great though, only a zealot would refuse them.

Ultimately peace will benefit both countries and they can seek to divest from defence funding into other areas.

When all the regular sources (US, China, Saudi) are either stagnant or not in good health, going to India can always be an option. To what extent and what will be the terms is anybody's guess.

 

[Varun]

There is no chance in hell Pakistan will ever ask for a loan from India. The PR is too damaging.

It probably won't be marketed as a loan, but disguised in the form of Pakistani citizens getting subsidized medical treatment in India, Pakistan getting sizeable discounts on foodstuffs etc.

The PR will be even more damaging in the India side if it was called a conventional loan: "Why is a poor country like us helping an arch rival with money? What if the deal falls apart halfway through?"

 

[RajBan]

It probably won't be marketed as a loan, but disguised in the form of Pakistani citizens getting subsidized medical treatment in India, Pakistan getting sizeable discounts on foodstuffs etc.

The PR will be even more damaging in the India side if it was called a conventional loan: "Why is a poor country like us helping an arch rival with money? What if the deal falls apart halfway through?"

It could be something that is politically of great value to Modi but not that much damaging for Pakistan. The one thing that comes to my mind is Kartarpur Sahib. India may ask for full control for the Kartarpur corridor and premises in exchange of money and Pakistan may oblige. Bulk of Pakistani voters hardly cares about retaining control of Kartarpur but on the other hand it could be a master stroke for Modi to get the voters specially Punjab back on his side after the damage in relationship during farmers sit in.

 

[daytrader]

Ex-FM questions ‘growing Shehbaz-Modi fondness’
Qureshi says Article 63 verdict could’ve prevented political instability

ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that if any member uses their vote contrary to the party's instructions, Article 63 applies to them, adding that a decision on the matter would have prevented political instability.

Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday, the former foreign minister, accompanied by Senator Faisal Javed, questioned the growing fondness between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that “Kashmiris are being betrayed”.

He highlighted the ongoing atrocities in occupied Kashmir, including the killing of innocents.

He also wondered who would stop two lawmakers who were making speeches “contrary to the facts”.

He also confidently stated that Imran Khan would be sworn-in as the prime minister in a few weeks.

Qureshi said that if a decision had been taken on Article 63-A earlier, political complexities would not have been observed. He accused some lawmakers of selling their conscience while they sold their votes.

“The decision and orders of this case are very important in my view; it has damaged the image of democracy and parliament,” he said. “This should not happen again; contrary to the party's instruction, if a member uses his vote, if someone violates it, then Article 63 applies to him.”

The former minister wondered why the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was silent on the matter. “Yes, this decision is very important if we want to avoid political instability,” he added.

Qureshi paid tribute to the people of Hangu, who voted for PTI’s candidate in NA-133. He linked the success in the party’s first election since its ouster from power to the presence of people’s mandate with Imran.

Commenting about the chaos in Punjab Assembly, he said that the matter is still unresolved and whatever happened in the house was in violation of the Constitution of Pakistan. “The government is being imposed on the people, if the relevant article is observed today, then all dissenting members will be disqualified and Hamza Shehbaz will lose his majority,” he said.

The senior party leader made it clear that there was only one solution out of the current political crisis and that was new elections. “Today, the voice of the whole nation is being raised,” he said.

Senator Javed said that this is a decisive hour to end horse-trading. He explained that the former government introduced electronic voting machines (EMVs) and brought reforms, and now they needed to do away with horse-trading by all means.

He challenged the dissenting party members to go to their constituencies now, claiming that even their family members would not vote for them.

He said that PTI will pass a resolution to save Pakistan at Minaar-e-Pakistan. “The only voice of Pakistanis all over the world is to reject the imported government,” he said. “Elections are going to be held, Imran Khan will take oath as prime minister in a few weeks.”

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2353281/ex-fm-questions-growing-shehbaz-modi-fondness

 

[MenInG]

Apnee auqat Shehbaz mian

==

New Delhi on Thursday ruled out any formal talks with Pakistan unless India's neighbor stops supporting "cross-border terrorism".

The recent appointment of Shehbaz Sharif as new prime minister has raised hopes of an easing of tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals, who have fought a series of wars since independence from Britain in 1947.

But India said there would be no negotiations unless Islamabad ensures an atmosphere of peace and diplomacy.

"Our stand is clear. We want an environment free of terror," Arindam Bagchi, India's foreign ministry spokesperson, told reporters at a Thursday press conference.

Only then is dialogue possible, it "doesn't matter what the government on the other side says."

Bagchi added that a recent exchange of letters between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Sharif were part of routine diplomatic courtesies.

"This is our valid demand and there has been no change on our stand," he said.

Modi in early April congratulated Sharif on his appointment as Pakistan's new leader while reiterating his desire for "peace and stability" in the region "free of terror".

In his own public message Sharif said Islamabad wanted "better relationship with India" but cautioned that no lasting peace would be possible without a resolution to Kashmir's status.

Sharif hails from an elite political family seen by some in India as more conciliatory towards New Delhi than Khan.

Unusually for a senior Pakistani politician, Sharif has actually visited India, in 2013 when he was chief minister for Punjab -- a state that was split between the two countries during the bloody 1947 partition of the sub-continent.

Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Commerce said that there is no change in Pakistan’s policy on trade with India, a statement issued by the commerce ministry said Wednesday.

According to the statement, the commerce ministry managed 57 trade missions in 46 countries, including the post of minister for trade and investment in New Delhi, India.

The post of minister for trade and investment in New Delhi exists for more than two decades and has no connection with the operationalisation of trade with India or otherwise in the current context.

The current cycle for selection of trade and investment officers (TIOs), including in New Delhi, was initiated in December 2021 and the final recommendations of the interview board were sent to the Prime Minister’s Office on April 1, 2022, during the tenure of the previous government.

The present government has given the final approval to the recommendations of the previous government for the selection of 15 TIOs.

The appointment of a minister of trade and investment in New Delhi, therefore, may not be seen in the context of any relaxation of trade restrictions with India.

According to Indian media reports, Pakistan "had taken a U-turn" and will be working on restoring ties with India.

GEO

 

[Kianig89]

SS already bending over by allowing trade with India

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

SS already bending over by allowing trade with India

Nothing wrong with bilateral trade to be honest, but you already know from the BJP language being barked from across the border that they would never countenance trade which might benefit Pakistan in any way.

 

[MenInG]

Auqat.

==

United Nations: India on Friday slammed Pakistan for making "unwarranted remarks" on Jammu and Kashmir, saying comments made by its Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in the UN Security Council are a "pavlovian response" aimed to misuse any forum and every topic to propagate false and malicious propaganda against New Delhi.
India's response came after Mr Zardari raked up the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, the abrogation of Article 370, and the recent order by the Delimitation Commission during his remarks at the Council debate.

"Pakistan representative made unwarranted remarks, which symbolises nothing but a pavlovian response aimed to misuse any forum, and every topic, to propagate false and malicious propaganda against my country," Counsellor in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Rajesh Parihar said.

India exercised the Right of Reply at the Security Council open debate on 'Maintenance of International Peace & Security - Conflict and Food Security' organised by the US, the Council President.

"The Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, are and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. This includes the areas that are under the illegal occupation of Pakistan. No amount of rhetoric and propaganda from any country can deny this fact," Mr Parihar asserted.

"The only contribution that Pakistan can make is to stop state-sponsored terrorism. As regards his other remarks, we will treat it with the contempt it deserves," Mr Parihar added.

The Pakistan foreign minister, who is on a maiden visit to the US, also raked up the Kashmir issue while responding to questions during a press conference in New York on Thursday.

"As far as the question of our relationship with India is concerned, it is particularly complicated by their recent actions in Kashmir - firstly the August 5, 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the recent decision by the delimitation commission on Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

He said that these actions "have complicated this matter" and are an "assault" on the United Nations, the UN Security Council resolutions, and the Geneva Convention. Mr Zardari said, "such actions make it very difficult for us to hold a dialogue" with India.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have spiked since New Delhi abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019. India's decision evoked strong reactions from Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian envoy.

India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was its internal matter. India has repeatedly told Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir "was, is, and shall forever" remain an integral part of the country. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda.

India has also told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Islamabad in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence.

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ind...shmir-at-un-2992919#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

 

[MenInG]

Denouncing India’s racist actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said “there is little scope of dialogue” with their arch rival neighbour, terming the relationship as “particularly complicated.”

Speaking at a presser on Thursday at the UN Headquarters in New York, before his departure to Islamabad, the FM said, “As far as the question of our relationship with India is concerned, it is particularly complicated” by New Delhi’s actions in Kashmir – firstly the August 5, 2019 decision to unilaterally annex IIOJK and now the delimitation commission move aimed at turning the disputed state’s Muslim majority into a minority.

Responding to a question, the foreign minister said, “Having said that, we are very cognizant of the fact that economic activity, dialogue, diplomacy are ultimately the ways and means for countries to engage with each other and resolve disputes,” adding, “I just note that, particularly at the moment, given this aggressive, hostile behaviour, the practical space for that happening is very limited.”

The PPP chairman was visiting the UN for a ministerial meeting on food security and met on the sidelines on Wednesday, among others, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Replying to another question, FM Bilawal said he would like to pivot away from a single-issue transactional relationship with the United States as he seeks to repair ties with Washington.

“Our relationship with the United States has been coloured too much by the geopolitical context in our region, and particularly by the events and circumstances in Afghanistan,” the foreign minister said a day after meeting the US secretary of state. “We would like to pivot away from a transactional relationship, a one-point agenda relationship, to a more broad-based relationship with a particular emphasis on trade.”

Bilawal went on to say, “We seek to have a more broad-based relationship that encompasses all the dynamics of our friendship which would have, obviously, a political component, a people-to-people component, and the defence component, but most importantly, the economic component as far as the Biden administration is concerned.”

Citing his recent interactions with Blinken, he expressed hopes to pursue a range of bilateral initiatives with his US counterparts aimed at exploring “untapped opportunity” for students, entrepreneurs, and other sectors of both societies to interact with one another.

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement on Wednesday after Blinken and FM Bilawal met that the two officials affirmed a “shared desire for a strong and prosperous bilateral relationship.”

The foreign minister also said he was not concerned about competing with neighboring India when it came to ties with Washington.

“Pakistan is not insecure about our relationship with the United States and we believe that the world is big enough for both Pakistan and India to exist,” he said.

To a question pertaining to the domestic political situation, Bilawal said “on the international front, we have a foreign policy vacuum. On the economic front, we have an economic catastrophe staring at us in the face, and we have a highly polarized political society.

“We need to now do the work of the government, work together to take the difficult decisions and implement the necessary reforms so we can move forward. And I believe, as long as we do that, and as long as we conduct ourselves in that way, then there is very little to challenge the new government and this extensive coalition. But if we fail to do our own job, then we will face many challenges.” APP

Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">World should take note of Indian govt's mistreatment of political prisoners in IIOJK. Conviction of prominent Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik on fake terrorism charges is futile effort 2 silence voices critical of India's blatant human rights abuses. Modi regime must b held 2 account</p>— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1528638882853576705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan and India have been engaged in “back channel” talks in order to break the stalemate in the relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, according to official sources familiar with the development.

Relations between the two countries have remained strained for years now and taken a turn for the worse in August 2019, when India unilaterally revoked the special status of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region.

Since then the diplomatic ties have been downgraded, bilateral trade suspended and there has been no structured dialogue. But even before the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took charge, the two countries were talking to each other, albeit quietly.

Those contacts have led to the renewal of the ceasefire understanding in February 2021 and since then the truce is holding, with no major incident of ceasefire violation. But the process could not lead to a breakthrough in terms of resumption of dialogue between the two countries.

Since the new government came to power in Islamabad, there has been a renewed push by the two sides to find some way out. “Call it back channels, Track-II or behind-the-scene talks, I can only confirm that relevant people in both countries are in touch with each other,” an official source said.

The source, however, said that he did not have the exact details of those contacts, adding that it was precisely the purpose of “back channels” to keep the discussions under wraps, until something tangible had been decided.

Chances of an immediate breakthrough are slim given the political uncertainty in Pakistan and tough preconditions attached by both sides for any resumption of dialogue.

Read ‘India imposes economic blockade to weaken IIOJK freedom movement’

Prime Minister Shehbaz in his maiden address to the nation on Friday asked India to reverse the August 5, 2019 actions so that both sides could engage in talks for the resolution of all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.

India, the sources said, is inclined to the re-engagement but reluctant to offer something that would help Pakistan resume the dialogue.

“Our policy is clear. We want to engage with everyone, including India,” said a senior member of the coalition government, while requesting anonymity. The government functionary, however, was sceptical if the hardline Narendra Modi government could show any flexibility on the issue of Kashmir.

The sources said that the Western powers, including the United States and the UK, were also pushing for defusing tension and opening some formal channels of communications between the two South Asian neighbours.

India is said to be eager to first resume trade and then other ties with Pakistan. New Delhi is willing to meet wheat shortage of Pakistan by entering into a government-to-government agreement.

India is one of the top 3 wheat producers in the world and Pakistan this season plans to import 4 million metric tons of wheat to meet its domestic shortage. Pakistan could import wheat from India on a much lower cost, given the less transportation and other logistic charges.

Pakistan is currently talking to Russia to import at least 2 million tons of wheat. The commodity price in the global market has shot due to Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, Pakistani officials are ruling out the possibility of importing wheat from India given the current status of bilateral ties.

In March 2021 Pakistan was about to partially restore trade ties with India, when the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet approved the import of sugar and cotton from India. However, the proposal was shot down by the federal cabinet later, stating that no normal business with India would be conducted unless New Delhi restored the special status of Kashmir.

Those who favour the resumption of trade with India believe that this may lead to dialogue on Kashmir. But others say that normalising trade and commercial ties with India without seeking reversal of August 2019 actions would weaken Pakistani stance.

Express Tribune

 

[Itachi]

PDM seems to be more matured in maintaining diplomatic ties than PTI.

 

[MenInG]

PDM seems to be more matured in maintaining diplomatic ties than PTI.

What makes you think the same was not happening before?

 

[Itachi]

What makes you think the same was not happening before?

Lots of examples are there. But during CAA saga, IK tried to push his agenda without even knowing the internals. He also claimed NRC is discriminatory to Muslims (religion was never a part of NRC). When you verbally attack your neighbor with the half baked knowledge, the diplomacy will be at its lowest.

Even the Muslims in India asked IK to not to care about them (since he isn't aware of the details) and keep his mouth to his own countryman only.

If you one really wanted to criticize, one should have had atleast read the protocols before indulging in such rant which takes away the integrity of a premier from the eyes of others. That doesn't matter if you don't want to maintain a relationship with your neighbor but if you do, then it should be given utmost importance.

PDM is playing very safe. It is neither distancing itself from China or US or India. It is keeping every doors open. That's a fruitful and mature diplomacy.

 

[silentkiller187]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">India has unleashed its brute & oppressive state apparatus to browbeat Indian Muslims into submission. The whole plan is to further marginalise them politically, economically & culturally. The reality of India's "democratic face" is before the world to see.</p>— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1536292922165194752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Vatta]

Cherry has just realised this!

The guy really needs to look up now and then from his bootlicking and polishing.

Whilst he's there, he should have also tweeted "Pakistan Goverment has unleashed its brute & oppressive state apparatus to browbeat Imran Khan and the Pakistani people into submission."

 

[PakLFC]

I am sure India will take care of their Muslim's one way or another like they are by bulldozing their homes!. For Pak we need to improve our economy before anything else. With so many problem's of our own we are in no position to help Indian Muslim's who have always hated Pakistan. What Pak needs is a caretaker government to come in and clean the mess otherwise this political game of musical chairs in Pak will continue.

I am afraid we can never have normal relations in India. It is just not possible.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

There will never be any kind of peaceful relationship between India and Pakistan.
Both countries should Just ignore each other and move on.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kashmir Martyrs' Day is a reminder of sacrifices Kashmiris have rendered for their inalienable & UN-sanctioned right to self-determination. The flame of freedom from the Indian yoke has been kept alive by the generations of Kashmiris in the face of Indian tyranny & oppression.</p>— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1547086493776216065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

PM Shahbaz Sharif will attend the SCO summit during which he is likely to meet the presidents of China, Russia, and Iran

ISLAMABAD: The prime ministers of Pakistan and India are likely to have a meeting during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, diplomatic sources told Daily Jang.

The SCO summit is scheduled for September 15-16 where leaders of the organisation will sit together to discuss regional challenges.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will attend the conference during which he is likely to meet the presidents of China, Russia, Iran and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

The sources confirmed that in its July 28 meeting, the SCO foreign ministers reiterated that the heads of SCO states will attend the summit.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto, who had attended the meeting in Tashkent, said that a bilateral meeting between the Pakistani and Indian leaders is not scheduled.

“There are no plans of any meetings between Indian and Pakistani prime ministers in September,” Bilawal had told WION News, adding that both India and Pakistan are part of the SCO and the two countries are only engaged in the context of the broad-based activities of the organisation.

The foreign minister had said: “India is our neighbouring country. While one can decide on a lot of things, one cannot choose its neighbours, therefore, we should get used to living with them.”

Bilawal recalled that after 2019, constructive dialogue with India became difficult, while statements based on Islamophobia by Indian officials are further creating hurdles in dialogue.

TheNews

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that Pakistan desired peaceful relations with India and resolution of the Kashmir issue and urged the international community to play its role in this regard.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Mr Sharif expressed these views during a meeting with newly-appointed Australian High Comm*issioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins.

The PMO quoted the prime minister as saying: “Pakistan desires peaceful ties with India, based on the principles of equity, justice and mutual respect. In this context, a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people, was indispensable.”

“The international community has to play a facilitative role in this regard, as it was essential for durable peace and stability in South Asia,” the prime minister said.

Mr Sharif also highlighted the cooperation that Pakistan continued to extend to the international community in the wake of the situation in Afghanistan, particularly since August last year.

The Australian high commissioner reciprocated the desire for further strengthening of bilateral relations and conveyed profound gratitude for Pakistan’s facilitative role in safe evacuation of their nationals and others from Afghanistan. He thanked the prime minister for receiving him and expressed his resolve to further increase and diversify the existing relations between Australia and Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2022

 

[Hitman]

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that Pakistan desired peaceful relations with India and resolution of the Kashmir issue and urged the international community to play its role in this regard.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Mr Sharif expressed these views during a meeting with newly-appointed Australian High Comm*issioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins.

The PMO quoted the prime minister as saying: “Pakistan desires peaceful ties with India, based on the principles of equity, justice and mutual respect. In this context, a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people, was indispensable.”

“The international community has to play a facilitative role in this regard, as it was essential for durable peace and stability in South Asia,” the prime minister said.

Mr Sharif also highlighted the cooperation that Pakistan continued to extend to the international community in the wake of the situation in Afghanistan, particularly since August last year.

The Australian high commissioner reciprocated the desire for further strengthening of bilateral relations and conveyed profound gratitude for Pakistan’s facilitative role in safe evacuation of their nationals and others from Afghanistan. He thanked the prime minister for receiving him and expressed his resolve to further increase and diversify the existing relations between Australia and Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2022

What's wrong with these people? Don't they realise that India will never hold referendum in Kashmir under any circumstances. Holding a referendum means that India will lose Kashmir for sure.

All I hear from Pakistan is they want peaceful ties with India provided the Kashmir issue is resolved. India does want peaceful ties with Pakistan, but not at the cost of giving up Kashmir. Even if it means Pakistan suspending all ties with India for eternity.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I thank &#55356;&#56814;&#55356;&#56819; PM Narendra Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> for condolences over the human & material losses caused by floods. With their characteristic resilience the people of &#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816; shall, InshaAllah, overcome the adverse effects of this natural calamity & rebuild their lives and communities.</p>— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1564998466522210305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday he was “absolutely willing and ready” to engage with India for the sake of regional peace and prosperity, but the onus was on New Delhi to take the necessary measures “ for meaningful and result-oriented engagement“.

“I am absolutely ready and willing to have a serious dialogue and discussion with our counterparts, Indians, provided that they show sincerity of purpose and they show that they are ready to discuss issues that have really kept us at a distance over decades,” he said while addressing the 6th summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia in Kazakhstan.

The premier regretted issues that have kept the two countries apart had hampered the promotion of bilateral trade and investment.

“This has to come to a stop,” he stressed, adding, “but the onus remains on India to take the necessary steps for meaningful and result oriented-engagement.

“Pakistan desires peaceful relations with all its neighbours, including India. However, until India brings its atrocities in occupied Kashmir to a grinding halt, just and lasting peace will remain elusive”.

The prime minister stressed that the people deserve resources to be diverted to their education and health.

“I want to leave behind a legacy of peace and progress for the prosperity of the coming generations of our region,” he said. “Pakistan’s first priority at the moment is to revive rapid and equitable economy”.

He, however, said, the “onus remains on India to take a necessary step to engage towards the result-oriented solutions”.

PM Sharif highlighted India’s unabated atrocities in Jammu and Kashmir for the last seven decades, where he said, that the Kashmiris faced the continued denial of their right to self-determination.

He urged other countries to take notice of India’s “bullet over ballot” policy as it blatantly quashed the United Nations Security Council’s resolution on holding a plebiscite in Kashmir.

“India has become a threat to its minorities, neighbours and the entire region,” he said.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in an effort to resolve the burning issues with New Delhi, including the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu Kashmir (IIOJK), asked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to hold serious and sincere talks.

Speaking during an interview with Al Arabiya news channel, the prime minister said: "My message to the Indian leadership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is that let us sit down on the table and have serious and sincere talks to resolve our burning issues like Kashmir.”

PM Shehbaz said that flagrant human rights violations were taking place day in and day out in the IIOJK, adding that the neighbouring country had usurped any semblance of autonomy given to the Kashmiris according to Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. The autonomy was revoked in August 2019.

The premier also said that the minorities in India were being persecuted. “This must stop so that message can go around the globe that India is ready to have talks.”

PM Shehbaz said Pakistan and India are neighbours and have to live with each other.

“It is up to us to live peacefully and make progress or quarrel with each other, and waste time and resources. We have three wars with India and it only brought more misery, poverty and unemployment to the people. We have learnt our lesson and we want to live in peace provided we are able to resolve our genuine problems.

“We want to alleviate poverty, achieve prosperity, and provide education and health facilities and employment to our people and not waste our resources on bombs and ammunition, that is the message I want to give to Prime Minister Modi,” he added.

The premier remarked that both countries are nuclear powers and armed to teeth. "If God forbid a war breaks out who will live to tell what happened," he said.

GEO

 

[Hitman]

One small thing that nobody in Pakistan understands - India does not consider the Kashmir issue valid. It considers Kashmir it's integral part.

 

[the Great Khan]

One small thing that nobody in Pakistan understands - India does not consider the Kashmir issue valid. It considers Kashmir it's integral part.

Then there will never be peace. Prepare for the inevitable. It may not happen today. Or in our lifetimes but it will happen..unless this issue is resolved.

Showbaaz isn't the legitimate PM so his words mean nothing. I hope Modi ignores this pretender.

 

[Hitman]

Then there will never be peace. Prepare for the inevitable. It may not happen today. Or in our lifetimes but it will happen..unless this issue is resolved.

Showbaaz isn't the legitimate PM so his words mean nothing. I hope Modi ignores this pretender.

It’s my country’s stance. Me or someone else from my country disagreeing with it makes no difference.

 

[RajBan]

Then there will never be peace. Prepare for the inevitable. It may not happen today. Or in our lifetimes but it will happen..unless this issue is resolved.

Showbaaz isn't the legitimate PM so his words mean nothing. I hope Modi ignores this pretender.

The practical solution is to accept the LOC as the International border and then work out a model how cross border trade and travel can be facilitated for the locals on both side similar to how it has happened for Bengal and Punjab since Partition. Ofcourse both will try to get the better deal but any rigidity on either side to stick to their version of absoluteness will lead to nowhere.

 

[wasim-fan]

Kashmir was over when Pakistan developed nuclear capabilities. No side can take any part of Kashmir from each other. Emotion has huge lag period over the brain. And politics is about exploiting emotion.

 

[Oxfordchamp]

Pakistan's overall situation is going from bad to worse with each passing year and India is going from strength to strength.. Sticking onto Kashmir has proven costly for Pakistan and could soon be fatal..hope Sanity prevails and establishment and government reposition their strategy as pointed out by Shahzad Chaudhry.

 

[the Great Khan]

Pakistan's overall situation is going from bad to worse with each passing year and India is going from strength to strength.. Sticking onto Kashmir has proven costly for Pakistan and could soon be fatal..hope Sanity prevails and establishment and government reposition their strategy as pointed out by Shahzad Chaudhry.

It's been like this for a while. But has nothing to do with kashmir. These are left over issues from partition and must be dealt with within agreed law and mechanisms. If India is so confident they should allow a full transparent referendum. But they won't just yet until they have changed the facts on the ground.

 

[MenInG]

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) clarified on Tuesday that talks with India can only take place after the country reverses its “illegal action of August 5, 2019”, which was aimed at illegally altering the demography of the Muslim-majority state of Indian occupied Kashmir.

“Without India’s revocation of this step, negotiations are not possible,” it said.

The statement comes a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold serious and sincere talks to resolve burning issues, including Kashmir, and said the United Arab Emirates leadership could play an important role in bringing India and Pakistan to the table.

DAWN

 

[shortbread]

Kashmir was over when Pakistan developed nuclear capabilities. No side can take any part of Kashmir from each other. Emotion has huge lag period over the brain. And politics is about exploiting emotion.

Precisely, the fact is that status quo will be what it is. No taking over each other's Kashmir or territory or whatever. Both stakeholders know this fact but the narrative is politically convenient. That is what it boils down to, how important is this narrative for both sides? What is it that is worth more than this kashmir story?

Unless Pakistan and India have something more valuable to provide each other, raking up thie kashmir issue is far more convinient.

 

[ex-q-zit]

"We Have Learnt Our Lesson...": Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif's Message To PM Modi

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for "serious and sincere talks" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on "burning points like Kashmir." In an interview with Dubai-based Al Arabiya TV, Sharif said that Pakistan has learned its lesson after three wars with India and stressed that now it wants peace with its neighbour.

"My message to the Indian leadership and Prime Minister Modi is that let's sit down on the table and have serious and sincere talks to resolve our burning points like Kashmir. It is up to us to live peacefully and make progress or quarrel with each other and waste time and resources," Shehbaz Sharif said.

In an interview with Dubai-based Arabic news channel, Pakistan Prime Minister said, "We have had three wars with India, and they have only brought more misery, poverty, and unemployment to the people."

"We have learnt our lesson, and we want to live in peace with India, provided we are able to resolve our genuine problems," Shehbaz Sharif said in the interview that was aired on Monday.

Pakistan, which is battling a severe economic crisis, public discontent against the ruling regime due to flour crisis and fuel shortage among others is also faced with rising instances of terror attacks by the proscribed outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which had ended a ceasefire with the country's security forces late last year.

"India is our neighbour country, we are neighbours. Let's be very blunt, even if we are not neighbours by choice we are there for ever and it is up to us for us to live peacefully and progress or quarrel with each other and waste time and resources. That is up to us," Shehbaz Sharif said in the interview to Al Arabiya.

Shehbaz Sharif also brought up the subject of Kashmir and said "Pakistan wants peace but what is happening in Kashmir should be stopped."

The Pakistan leader in the interview that was also uploaded on Monday on the @AlArabiya_shows Twitter handle said that both the countries have engineers, doctors, and skilled labourers. "We want to utilise these assets for prosperity and to bring peace to the region so that both nations can grow."

"Pakistan does not want to waste resources on bombs and ammunition. We are nuclear powers, armed to the teeth, and if God forbids, a war breaks out, who will live to tell what happened?" he said.

India in November last year had lashed out at Pakistan for raking up the issue of Kashmir during a United Nations debate terming it as "desperate attempts to peddle falsehoods".

"As we meet today to discuss UNSC reforms, a representative of Pakistan has yet again made unwarranted references to Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir remains an integral and inalienable part of India irrespective of what Pakistan's representative believes," said Pratik Mathur, Permanent Mission of India to UN, in the right to reply during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meet on UN Security Council.

"Pakistan's desperate attempts to peddle falsehoods and a bad habit of abusing the sanctity of multilateral forums deserves collective contempt and perhaps sympathies as well," he added.

Pakistan Foreign Affairs Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had spoken about alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. India's response to Pakistan's claims came during a key UN General Assembly meeting on the United Nations Security Council.

NDTV

 

[happydavy]

Indian Pakistan conflicts over the last 8-10 years have become more of quarrels rather than fights. An analogy would be slapping vs punching. Usne mujhe aisa bola, maine usse aisa bola. Problem is that any long term path breaking solution doesn't need just the 2 governments to agree but all the major opposition parties from both countries need to be on the same page as otherwise neither government will have the courage to concede anything substantial. And the chances of that happening in our democracies where the oppositions play the role of enemies, it's very unlikely to happen.

 

[RajBan]

Indian Pakistan conflicts over the last 8-10 years have become more of quarrels rather than fights. An analogy would be slapping vs punching. Usne mujhe aisa bola, maine usse aisa bola. Problem is that any long term path breaking solution doesn't need just the 2 governments to agree but all the major opposition parties from both countries need to be on the same page as otherwise neither government will have the courage to concede anything substantial. And the chances of that happening in our democracies where the oppositions play the role of enemies, it's very unlikely to happen.

Apart from lack of political capital, I don't think there is any serious appetite for reconciliation and restoring normal engagement on either side. India wants to focus on Asia Pacific and Europe in terms of trade ties. Pakistan more inclined to ME, Turkey and China in terms of trade and investments. Any potential attempts of engagement from Pakistan is more tactical need ( grains, medicines etc) as opposed to a strategic change. Indian government is now very indifferent to relations with Pakistan and it likely won't change even if non BJP government comes in.

It's an irony that the only way the two countries will have any active dialogue is if there are some serious disruptions along LOC or International border, else it will remain cold for near future which is actually a welcome status when compared to continuous rant at each other few years back.

 

[MenInG]

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will participate in the 23rd Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a press release issued by the Foreign Office (FO) on Friday.

The FO said the CHS moot, the highest forum of the SCO, will be held in videoconference format on July 4 (Tuesday).

“The invitation to the prime minister to attend the SCO-CHS was extended by the prime minister of India in his capacity as the current chair of the SCO,” the press release reads.

It added that PM Shehbaz’s participation “illustrates the high importance that Pakistan attaches to the SCO, as an important forum for regional security and prosperity, and enhanced engagement with the region”.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

India has said that an “environment free of terror and hostility” is necessary to restart talks after Pakistan’s prime minister expressed readiness for engagement with the “neighbour”.

India’s response echoed its customary stance, reiterating what it had also expressed earlier this year when PM Shehbaz Sharif had extended an offer for talks.

On Tuesday, Mr Sharif said at an economic summit in Islamabad that Pakistan was “prepared to talk to them, provided that the neighbour is serious to talk [on] serious matters… because war is no more an option”. He didn’t name India, but the inference was obvious.

While responding to media queries at the weekly briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson said, “We have seen reports regarding comments by the Pakistan prime minister… India’s clear and consistent position on this issue is well-known. We desire normal neighbourly relations with all our neighbours, including Pakistan. For this, an environment free of terror and hostility is imperative.”

DAWN

 

[The Bald Eagle]

What else could you expect from Nawaz Sharif.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1800121060009935180