Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan, the first by an Indian foreign minister in almost a decade, was a remarkable diplomatic event. He was welcomed with the kind of formality that underscored Pakistan’s desire to present itself as a stable and secure nation. Many, including Nawaz Sharif, saw this as an opportunity to break the ice and create a pathway for dialogue between the two countries.
Nawaz Sharif praised Jaishankar’s visit as a “good opening” and stressed the need for both nations to engage in meaningful dialogue and “bury the past” to build a better future. He argued that both countries are bound by geography and history and that neither can change its neighbour. His call for a reset in relations is not new, but the timing of it, during Jaishankar’s historic visit, gave his words extra weight.
Sharif also reflected on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unexpected visit to Lahore in 2015, which had kindled hopes of peace. Unfortunately, relations soured soon after, exacerbated by a series of terror attacks in India that were linked to Pakistan-based groups. Sharif lamented the missed opportunities for peace since Modi’s visit, stressing that the region cannot afford another 70 years of animosity.
What makes Sharif’s appeal particularly compelling is his focus on the economic potential of improved relations between the two countries, which could unlock unprecedented opportunities for trade, investment, and regional stability. His vision is not just about ending conflict but about lifting millions out of poverty through shared economic prosperity.
The timing of this message could not be more crucial. The global economy is in flux, with emerging markets like India and Pakistan facing challenges from inflation, unemployment, and external debt. In such an environment, regional cooperation could offer a way out. The SCO summit, where Jaishankar and Pakistani officials discussed trade and humanitarian issues, highlighted the economic stakes involved. According to Sharif, the two nations must prioritise their economic futures over historical grievances.
One of the main obstacles to peace has been the Kashmir dispute. When India revoked the special status of Indian-administered Kashmir in 2019, Pakistan responded by downgrading diplomatic ties and suspending bilateral trade. Sharif’s call to sideline the issue temporarily in favour of a more pragmatic engagement aligns with his long-held belief that peace and prosperity should take precedence over territorial disputes.
At the SCO summit, Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar followed a strictly diplomatic script focused on trade, humanitarian, and social issues. However, his presence in Islamabad signalled a potential softening of India’s hardline stance on Pakistan, at least on multilateral engagement. Although there were no formal bilateral talks, the atmosphere at the summit suggested a cautious willingness on both sides to re-engage, even if only through multilateral platforms like the SCO.
Pakistan went out of its way to ensure that Jaishankar’s visit was smooth and devoid of tensions that have marred previous engagements. Islamabad’s handling of the summit demonstrated a clear desire to be seen as a responsible and constructive player on the global stage. The fact that Jaishankar could participate in the summit without any significant diplomatic incidents was a victory in itself.
For Sharif, this moment was the culmination of his long-held belief that India and Pakistan must find a way to coexist peacefully. His three terms as prime minister were marked by repeated attempts to engage India, despite setbacks and opposition from hardliners within Pakistan. Sharif’s vision has always been one of economic integration and mutual benefit. He has consistently argued that the two nations if they could overcome their political differences, could create a more prosperous South Asia.
Sharif’s call for a reset in relations is not without challenges. Both nations have deep-rooted political, military, and ideological differences that will not be easily overcome. The memories of past conflicts, including the three wars fought since their partition in 1947, remain in the collective consciousness of both countries. The issue of terrorism, which India accuses Pakistan of fostering, is a significant stumbling block. However, Sharif’s message is clear: these obstacles should not be allowed to define the future.
Together, India and Pakistan represent over a billion people. If they could set aside their differences and focus on economic cooperation, it could spur growth, create jobs, and lift millions out of poverty. The South Asian subcontinent, long seen as a region of conflict, could instead become a beacon of economic opportunity and stability.
The SCO summit provided a platform for dialogue, demonstrating both nations’ ability to engage in diplomacy within a multilateral framework. Nawaz Sharif’s remarks reignited hope for reconciliation, with his focus on dialogue and economic cooperation offering a vision for a more prosperous South Asia. Jaishankar’s visit was a symbolic step forward. If both nations heed Sharif’s call, they could unlock immense potential and bring prosperity to the region.
(The author is a senior journalist based in Islamabad. Views personal.)
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