PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has suggested the possibility of an upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, potentially paving the way for renewed dialogue between the two neighbouring countries. Sharif made these remarks during a conversation with Indian journalists covering the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, held on Thursday. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was also present during the interaction.
Sharif expressed optimism about a future meeting between the leaders of Pakistan and India, noting that discussions should focus on forward-looking challenges, including climate change. Indian journalist Smita Sharma, who attended the meeting, told Dawn that Sharif conveyed hope for a window of opportunity to improve bilateral relations. He also fondly recounted his personal ties to India, including his visit to Amritsar, the birthplace of his father.
Maryam Nawaz shared similar sentiments, reflecting on her own experiences in India and her recent visit to Kartarpur Sahib. She expressed hope for increased engagement between the two sides, underscoring the importance of building on past connections.
“The absence of a negative reaction following the Indian foreign minister’s recent visit to Pakistan is a positive sign,” said Smita Sharma. While acknowledging that core issues like terrorism and Kashmir remain sticking points, she emphasised that the current atmosphere allows some room for cautious optimism.
During the meeting, Nawaz Sharif also advocated for greater cooperation on climate change and suggested that the Indian cricket team should visit Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy, emphasising the need for sporting and environmental collaboration between the two nations.
This was Nawaz Sharif’s second meeting with Indian journalists in recent days, following an earlier interaction with veteran journalist Barkha Dutt in Lahore.