Over 100 Prominent Citizens from India and Pakistan Urge PMs to End Hostility

More than 100 notable individuals from India and Pakistan have jointly appealed to Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif to take concrete steps towards ending prolonged tensions between the two nations. In an open letter issued on Tuesday by the Centre for Peace and Progress, the signatories called for a resumption of dialogue, full diplomatic relations, and the restoration of people-to-people ties.

The letter states: 'India and Pakistan together are home to nearly one-fifth of humanity. A large proportion of our population is young… The people of both countries deserve a future defined by peace, development, connectivity and cooperation, rather than perpetual mistrust and confrontation.' It urges the leaders to prioritise the well-being of millions of young people who, it argues, are being deprived of opportunities and prosperity due to continued hostility.

The signatories include former diplomats, academics, artists, and political figures from both countries. They specifically recommend the reinstatement of High Commissioners in New Delhi and Islamabad, the resumption of normal visa services, and the initiation of a structured dialogue covering all bilateral issues. The letter also emphasises the need to reconnect cultural and religious links that have been severed in recent years.

The appeal comes amidst a prolonged freeze in official talks between the nuclear-armed neighbours, with relations deteriorating sharply after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and subsequent changes in India's internal policies. Cross-border terrorism and the status of Kashmir remain key points of contention.

While the government of India has not officially responded to the letter, the call from civil society highlights a growing desire for peace among sections of the elite. Previous similar appeals have not led to immediate policy shifts, but advocates hope that sustained pressure from respected voices may encourage a thaw.

The letter also calls for enhanced trade and economic cooperation, noting that the combined potential of the two countries remains underutilised due to political mistrust. It argues that normalising relations would benefit both economies and help address common challenges like poverty, climate change, and public health.