Revive bilateral dialogue, restore normal ties: Politicians, former diplomats from India, Pak urge both govts
In the open letter signed by Abdullah, Mufti, former RAW chairman AS Dulat, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, former diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Pakistani foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, as well as many retired diplomats and civil society members, the two governments are requested to “take meaningful and sustained steps towards restoring peace, normalcy” was requested. Dialogue and cooperation in South Asia”.
The June 30 letter, coordinated by OP Shah, head of the Center for Peace and Progress, and signed by 61 Indians and 55 Pakistanis, emphasized that “sustained engagement and dialogue remain the only valid way to resolve differences.”
The signatories called for the full restoration of diplomatic relations, the reinstatement of high commissioners, the resumption of normal visa services and the resumption of comprehensive bilateral dialogue on all important issues.
They also called for discussions on Jammu and Kashmir, including a review of the framework negotiated between 2004 and 2007 and steps towards demilitarization and de-escalation while addressing the “legitimate security concerns” of both countries.
The call also demanded reopening of trade channels, restoration of normal trade relations, revival of Most Favored Nation or equivalent non-discriminatory trade regulation and reopening of Attari-Wagah land border.
He also called for resumption of Delhi-Lahore bus services, Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus services, Samjhauta Express and Thar Express, opening of Kargil-Skardu route and reopening of airspace for commercial flights. He called for the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, the opening of Sharada Peeth for pilgrims, the easing of travel restrictions, greater exchange of information between students, journalists, artists and businessmen, and the lifting of restrictions on the media. points of sale and digital platforms.
“The future of South Asia should be shaped not by division and conflict, but by peace, prosperity and common progress,” the letter said. It was added that the call was “not an endorsement of any political position”, but a call to “put the welfare and aspirations of approximately two billion people above conflict, conflict and division”.
India and Pakistan together are home to nearly one-fifth of humanity, and a large portion of their populations are young people. The signatories wrote that continued hostilities deprive millions of young people of opportunities, prosperity and a secure future.
They called on both governments to choose interaction over isolation, dialogue over hostility, and cooperation over conflict.
