More than 100 prominent individuals from India and Pakistan have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reopen dialogue and rebuild ties between the two countries.
The joint appeal calls for a return to regular diplomatic engagement, including the restoration of full diplomatic relations, normal visa services, and direct communication between the two governments. The signatories also want talks on Jammu and Kashmir to resume as part of a wider peace process.
The initiative was led by O.P. Shah, chairman of the Centre for Peace and Progress. According to the appeal, continued hostility has only deepened mistrust, while dialogue can create space for stability, cooperation, and peace in South Asia.
The letter has been signed by a mixed group of politicians, activists, former diplomats, and public figures from both sides of the border. Their message is that both governments should take practical steps to reduce tension and revive official contact.
The appeal comes at a time when India and Pakistan continue to have strained ties, with limited engagement and no sustained dialogue on major political and security issues. The signatories say that restoring communication is necessary not only for peace but also for people who are affected by the long freeze in relations.
They argue that issues such as trade, travel, and people-to-people contact have suffered because of the diplomatic deadlock. Restarting talks, they say, would be a first step toward rebuilding trust.
The open letter does not claim that all differences can be solved quickly. Instead, it asks both leaders to begin with a simple but important move: talk to each other. For the signatories, that is the foundation for any meaningful progress.
This initiative reflects a rare joint call from both countries for cooperation at a time when relations remain tense. Whether the appeal leads to any official response remains to be seen, but it has renewed attention on the need for dialogue between India and Pakistan.
