117 Indian and Pakistani Eminent Citizens Urge PM Modi, Shehbaz Sharif to Restore Dialogue

A group of 117 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan has issued an open letter urging Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif to take meaningful steps toward restoring dialogue and normalising bilateral relations.

The appeal comes one year after Operation Sindoor and calls for renewed diplomatic engagement between the two neighbouring countries.

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An open letter signed by 117 eminent citizens from India and Pakistan has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to resume dialogue, restore diplomatic relations and ease restrictions affecting people-to-people ties.

Key Highlights

• A total of 117 prominent citizens signed the appeal.
• The signatories include 61 people from India and 56 from Pakistan.
• The letter calls for restoring diplomatic dialogue.
• It also seeks the return of High Commissioners and visa services.
• The appeal emphasises peace and better opportunities for future generations.

What Does the Letter Say?

Issued by the Centre for Peace and Progress, the letter urges both governments to take concrete and sustained measures to improve bilateral relations.

The signatories argue that prolonged hostility between the two countries continues to affect millions of people, particularly young citizens, by limiting opportunities for cooperation and development.

Key Demands in the Appeal

The open letter recommends several confidence-building measures, including:

• Restoring diplomatic dialogue.
• Reinstating High Commissioners.
• Resuming visa services.
• Reopening airspace.
• Improving people-to-people exchanges.
• Encouraging long-term bilateral engagement.

The signatories believe these steps could help rebuild trust between the two countries.

Why the Appeal Matters

Relations between India and Pakistan have remained strained in recent years due to political, security and diplomatic differences.

The appeal reflects the view of a section of civil society that renewed communication could help reduce tensions and create opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Focus on Future Generations

According to the letter, continuing hostility affects not only diplomatic relations but also economic opportunities, cultural exchanges and regional stability.

The signatories argue that greater engagement could benefit future generations by promoting peace, prosperity and cooperation across South Asia.

What Happens Next?

The letter represents a civil society initiative and does not constitute an official government proposal.

Whether the governments of India and Pakistan respond to the appeal remains to be seen.

Conclusion

The joint appeal by 117 eminent citizens highlights continuing calls from sections of civil society for renewed India-Pakistan dialogue. While the future of bilateral engagement depends on official diplomatic decisions, the letter underscores the belief that sustained communication remains an important pathway toward improving relations.

FAQs

1. Who signed the open letter?
A total of 117 eminent citizens—61 from India and 56 from Pakistan.

2. Who is the letter addressed to?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

3. What does the letter request?
It calls for restoring dialogue, diplomatic ties, visa services and normal bilateral relations.

4. Which organisation issued the appeal?
The Centre for Peace and Progress.

5. Does the letter represent official government policy?
No. It is a civil society initiative.

6. Why is the appeal significant?
It reflects ongoing efforts by sections of civil society to encourage peaceful engagement between India and Pakistan.