PML-N President and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed hope for improved relations between Pakistan.
“I have always advocated for positive ties with India,” Nawaz stated. “I am hopeful we can revive our relationship.”
He expressed these words during an interview with Indian journalist Barkha Dutt on Monday.
His comments come ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Islamabad, which Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will attend.
Although he chose not to appear on camera, he spoke openly during the interview.
Nawaz remarked that it would have been beneficial for PM Modi to attend the SCO summit, expressing a desire for future discussions between the two leaders. Dutt noted that Jaishankar’s visit was strictly for the SCO summit, pointing out the current “cold freeze” in relations between the two countries.
In 2023, Nawaz reaffirmed his commitment to normalizing ties with neighboring countries, especially India. He highlighted that during his previous terms, he welcomed two Indian prime ministers—Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999 and Modi in 2015—to Pakistan.
Following Modi’s recent electoral victory, both Nawaz and his brother, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, congratulated him. Nawaz’s message emphasized replacing animosity with optimism for the region’s future.
In response, Modi acknowledged their messages, stating that peace and security for the people of India remain his priority.
The relationship between Pakistan and India has been fraught with tension since their partition in 1947, characterized by territorial disputes and ongoing diplomatic challenges, complicating efforts for lasting peace.
Scholar Dr Zakir Naik meets Nawaz Sharif
Renowned Religious Scholar Dr Zakir Naik met Pakistan Muslim League-N President Nawaz Sharif, here on Monday. During the meeting, Nawaz Sharif appreciated the services of Dr Zakir Naik in the field of the religion.
