Nawaz Sharif meets Indian journalists, discusses revival of Pakistan-India relations

Nawaz Sharif called a meeting with Indian journalists in Lahore, and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader pressed on the need to bring about improvement in Pakistan-India relations. The meeting, arranged on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation conference, saw Sharif holding discussions with the visiting Indian media professionals on subjects ranging from diplomacy through sports to general interest. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was also present during the discussion.

Sharif said he was hoping the SCO conference would lead to a way out and become a stepping stone toward restoration of Pakistan-India relations. Sharif underscored the need for peaceful relations between the two neighbours.

“If the Pakistan-India relations improve, many facets of our bilateral cooperation will see an improvement,” he explained.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader says Pakistan-India relations can be improved through cricket

Sharif then brought up another tool of diplomacy sports, especially cricket-where the visit by India to play in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan could serve as a symbol of change.

Nawaz Sharif believed cross-border interaction was relevant and said the Indian cricket team should be allowed to visit Pakistan and participate in key tournaments.

“Ask the Indian cricket team; they would say, ‘We want to come to Pakistan and play.'”

He felt this could form one of the most significant steps in softening relations between the two nations. He also mentioned the absence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the SCO conference, saying that personal presence could have contributed much more to the improvement in Pakistan-India relations.

Maryam Nawaz added her voice, enthusiastically speaking of her personal desire to visit India. She said,

“I want to visit Indian Punjab to understand the cultural differences better.”

She made it amply clear that both countries have much to gain by increasing dialogue and further cooperation that could outline a better future for Pakistan-India relations.