More than 100 prominent political leaders, former diplomats and civil society members from India and Pakistan have jointly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to revive bilateral dialogue and restore normal diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The open letter, dated June 30, was signed by 61 Indian and 55 Pakistani personalities, including former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, former RAW chief A.S. Dulat, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, and several retired diplomats and peace advocates.
The signatories urged both governments to take meaningful and sustained steps towards restoring peace, normalcy and cooperation across South Asia. They stressed that continued dialogue remains the only practical path to resolving long-standing differences.
The letter called for the restoration of full diplomatic ties, appointment of high commissioners, resumption of regular visa services, and revival of comprehensive bilateral talks on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir. It also advocated confidence-building measures, trade restoration, reopening of the Attari-Wagah border, and resumption of key transport links such as the Delhi-Lahore bus service, Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service, Samjhauta Express and Thar Express.
Additionally, the appeal sought reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and Sharada Peeth for pilgrims, easing travel restrictions, encouraging exchanges among students, journalists, artists and business communities, and lifting restrictions on media platforms.
Calling for a peaceful future, the signatories said the initiative is not an endorsement of any political position but a humanitarian appeal to prioritise the welfare, aspirations and prosperity of nearly two billion people living in South Asia over conflict and confrontation.(Agencies)
