Nawaz Sharif Calls for Improved India-Pakistan Relations

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called for India and Pakistan to 'bury' past differences and focus on improving relations, describing Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar's recent visit to Islamabad as a 'good opening' for dialogue. Sharif criticized former PM Imran Khan for damaging ties with harsh remarks against Indian PM Modi, emphasizing the need for both nations to adopt a positive approach and engage in constructive discussions. He lamented the prolonged strain in relations, stating, 'We have spent 70 years in this way and should not let this go on for the next 70 years.' Despite Jaishankar's visit, which marked the first by an Indian foreign minister in nine years, there were no bilateral meetings, with India maintaining its stance that 'talks and terror cannot go hand-in-hand.' Sharif's comments come amid escalating tensions in West Asia following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli forces.