Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, attended by India’s foreign minister, could signal a potential improvement in India-Pakistan relations.
Sharif made these remarks while meeting with Indian journalists who had come to Pakistan for the SCO summit, which included leaders from ten countries. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb were also present.
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Nawaz emphasized reviving cricket diplomacy and suggested that the Indian cricket team visit Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. He noted that despite the team’s willingness, political restrictions often prevent such engagements.
Sharif acknowledged the absence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi but saw the visit of Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar, the first in nearly a decade, as a positive step. Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar for their hospitality.
During his conversation, Sharif urged focusing on the future, addressing important issues like climate change and bilateral trade. He highlighted how Pakistan’s indirect trade with India through Dubai had raised the cost of goods, suggesting improved relations would reduce delivery time for essential commodities to just two hours.
