ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Diya TV) — After External Affairs Minister of India S. Jaishankar paid a visit to Pakistan, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed his hope that the visit could bring in a new era for renewed trade ties between the two countries. He shared these views during the remarks presented during a press conference while stressing on bettering relations and improving economic cooperation.
The visit led by Jaishankar marks the first high-level engagement between the two countries in years. Expectations now hike as historical conflicts and political tensions strained the relation between these two nations. Sharif claimed that it is time for both governments to give prior importance to dialogue and collaboration as, according to him, “This visit is a chance for us to open a new chapter in India-Pakistan relations.”
The sitting with Jaishankar and Pakistani officials focused on a number of key matters: trade, security, and regional stability. He spoke yet again about India’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue but made clear that Pakistan had to take practical steps in battling terrorism. “We do believe that concerns affecting our nations and the region as a whole should be addressed,” he said during the press briefing after the meeting.
Sharif, who has in the past been an advocate of closer ties with India, believes increased trade would be beneficial to both economies. “We have much to gain from each other,” he pointed out, citing the possibility of creating jobs and revving up economic activities through trade. He appealed to the present dispensation to take advantage of Jaishankar’s visit by aggressively seeking scope for economic cooperation.
With bilateral ties showing potentiality to improve, though with considerable obstacles, both countries have been overwhelmingly vocal during the last couple of months to get these ties improved. The issue of Kashmir remains a hotbed, with both sides holding onto firm territorial claims. However, experts are thinking that engaging in trade talks might ease the tension and create a more stable relationship with one another.
Economic analysts say reviving trade may be something of an ultimate catalyst for wider diplomatic engagement. “Trade creates interdependence, and that can lead to more stable relations,” said Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa, political analyst based in Islamabad. “Both countries must recognize the mutual benefits of cooperation.”
The region is watching closely as Jaishankar’s outcome may set the precedent for future interaction between India and Pakistan. Both governments are under pressure from their respective populations to redress long-standing grievances, and Sharif’s hopeful stance will be music to the ears of proponents of peace and cooperation.
