The former Prime Minister of Pakistan expresses hope for improved relations following Jaishankar’s attendance at the SCO meeting

In a notable development in Indo-Pakistani relations, former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has characterised Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s recent visit to Pakistan as a “good beginning.” This visit, which took place earlier this week during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Islamabad, marks a significant moment, being the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade.

Jaishankar attended the SCO meeting alongside various other leaders, amidst a backdrop of heightened security in the capital city. Sharif, who leads the ruling Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) and is the brother of current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressed optimism during a gathering with Indian journalists. He stated, “This is how talks move forward. Talks should not stop,” emphasising the importance of dialogue between the two nations.

The visit signals a potential thaw in relations, which have been strained for years due to longstanding territorial disputes, particularly over Kashmir, and various geopolitical tensions. Jaishankar’s attendance at the SCO meeting has been interpreted as a possible step towards rekindling diplomatic engagement between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Sharif’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among some Pakistani leaders who advocate for dialogue and cooperation as a means to resolve ongoing issues and improve bilateral relations. The fact that an Indian foreign minister was able to visit Pakistan is seen as a positive step towards re-establishing diplomatic channels that had been largely closed off.

As both nations navigate their complex history and current geopolitical challenges, the hope is that this visit might pave the way for more regular exchanges and discussions, potentially leading to concrete outcomes in the future.