India-Pakistan Peace Initiative: 117 Eminent Voices Urge PM Modi and PM Shehbaz Sharif to Resume Dialogue, End Years of Hostility
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi, Islamabad
- Jul 01, 2026
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117 Eminent Indians and Pakistanis Seek Fresh Start in India-Pakistan Relations
In a significant peace initiative, 117 prominent personalities from India and Pakistan have jointly appealed to Prime Minister (pmindia) Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister (pmo.gov.pk) Shehbaz Sharif to revive diplomatic engagement and move away from prolonged hostility that has strained relations between the two neighbouring nations.
The signatories stressed that sustained dialogue—not confrontation—is the only viable path toward ensuring lasting peace, regional stability and economic progress across South Asia. They argued that continuing political and military tensions have adversely affected development, trade, cultural exchanges and the lives of ordinary citizens on both sides of the border.
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The appeal comes at a time when bilateral ties remain at one of their lowest points in recent history following years of diplomatic deadlock, security concerns and cross-border tensions.
Who Signed the Joint Peace Appeal?
The initiative has been endorsed by 117 distinguished individuals, including former diplomats, retired civil servants, politicians, academics, social activists and public intellectuals.
Among the 61 Indian signatories are:
- Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah
- PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti
- Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha
The 56 Pakistani signatories include former Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri along with several senior public figures advocating improved bilateral relations.
11 Major Recommendations to Restore India-Pakistan Relations
1. Restart Official Bilateral Dialogue
The group urged New Delhi and Islamabad to resume structured diplomatic negotiations. Comprehensive dialogue has remained suspended since the 2016 Pathankot terror attack, despite earlier attempts to improve ties.
2. Resume Talks on All Pending Issues Including Jammu and Kashmir
The appeal recommends comprehensive discussions covering every outstanding bilateral issue, including Jammu and Kashmir, which has remained a major point of disagreement following India's constitutional changes in August 2019.
3. Reduce Military Tensions Along the Border
The signatories called for confidence-building measures to lower military tensions despite the reaffirmation of the Line of Control ceasefire agreement in 2021.
4. Restore People-to-People Contact
The letter highlights the importance of reconnecting families, students, professionals and ordinary citizens through easier travel and humanitarian exchanges.
5. Revive Cultural and Educational Exchanges
Artists, writers, scholars and universities from both countries should once again collaborate to strengthen mutual understanding and reduce mistrust.
6. Resume Bilateral Cricket and Sporting Events
The appeal urges both governments to revive bilateral cricket series and other sporting competitions, noting that India and Pakistan have only met in multinational tournaments over the past decade.
7. Restore Direct Air Connectivity
The signatories recommended reopening commercial flight services to facilitate tourism, business and humanitarian travel.
8. Simplify Visa Procedures
The group called for a more citizen-friendly visa system to encourage educational, medical, business and family visits.
9. Reappoint High Commissioners
The letter recommends restoring full diplomatic representation by appointing High Commissioners in New Delhi and Islamabad.
10. Reopen Bus, Rail and Border Connectivity
The appeal seeks restoration of the Delhi-Lahore bus service, Samjhauta Express, Thar Express, Attari-Wagah crossing and uninterrupted operation of the Kartarpur Corridor.
11. Resume Bilateral Trade
According to the signatories, restoring commercial relations would generate employment, strengthen regional economies and benefit consumers in both countries.
BJP Rejects Demand for Fresh India-Pakistan Talks
Responding to the appeal, Jammu and Kashmir BJP leader Ravinder Raina said the Government of India requires no external appeal to determine its foreign policy.
He maintained that India has consistently favoured peaceful relations with neighbouring countries but asserted that terrorism and diplomatic dialogue cannot coexist.
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Referring to previous peace initiatives, Raina recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's historic Lahore bus journey and subsequent events including the Kargil conflict and the Parliament attack. He also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's outreach to Pakistan following his assumption of office.
Raina questioned whether those advocating renewed engagement could guarantee that Pakistan would prevent future terrorist activities, stressing that India's national security remains the government's foremost priority.
Why the Appeal Matters
The joint initiative has reignited debate over the future of India-Pakistan relations. Supporters believe renewed diplomatic engagement could reduce tensions, improve regional stability and create opportunities for economic cooperation. Critics, however, argue that meaningful dialogue can only progress if concerns related to cross-border terrorism are fully addressed.
Whether the appeal influences official policy remains uncertain, but it has once again brought the future of India-Pakistan diplomacy into the national spotlight.
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