LAHORE:
The former Foreign Minister, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, and the prominent journalist and activist of La Paz, Ashis Ray, emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and improvements relations between Pakistan and India during a high profile event held in Lahore on Thursday.
The event, which was attended by the main personalities of the media, civil and military officers retired, academics and members of civil society, highlighted the challenges and opportunities to promote peace between the two neighbors with nuclear weapons.
Kasuri, who served as Pakistan Foreign Minister from 2002 to 2007, opened the session by reflecting on the tumultuous history of relations between Pakistan and India. He pointed out that while the relationship has seen ups and downs, the current state of things is one of the worst in history, except for times of real war.
He attributed this decline to the rising nationalist rhetoric in India, which has been used to polarize voters through anti-musulmed feelings, anti-pakistan and anti-Bangladesh.
However, Kasuri remained optimistic, remembering past cases in which relationships unexpectedly improved, such as the warm reception of former President Pervez Musharraf in New Delhi and the surprise visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi a Lahore in 2015 “, dialogue, dialogue, the only aid is the only way to follow,” said Kasuri, said, stressing that the Pakistan and India do not They can be in the host.
He warned that terrorism raises an equal threat to both countries and could undermine any possible diplomatic progress.
Kasuri also highlighted the importance of resolving Jammu and Kashmir, referring to the four-point formula (which actually comprises 11-12 points) that was almost agreed during the 2004-2008 peace process.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashis Ray, a journalist, author and nephew of Indian Freedom, Subhas Chandra Bose based in London, delivered the opening speech. Ray, author of “The trial that shook Great Britain”, a book on the trials of Fort Red Fort of the soldiers of the Indian National Army in 1945-46, emphasized shared history and cultural ties between the two nations.
He proposed a three -point plan to promote people’s connections. This includes taking advantage of technology to gather artists, filmmakers and musicians from both countries; Allow Pakistani Cricket players to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Indian Crickets to participate in the Super League (PSL) of Pakistan and encourage joint companies in neutral places if direct exchanges are not feasible.
Ray also highlighted the economic potential of improved relationships, citing a 2023 World Bank study that found 85% of the unrealized commercial potential of Pakistan with India. “If trade can benefit both countries, why have we not taken the opportunity?” asked.
