News Analysis India

Tag: Shehbaz Sharif

  • Pakistan General Elections 2024: A Crucible Of Change Amidst Power Struggles And Emerging Alliances | world news

    New Delhi: As Pakistan approaches its 2024 general elections, the political landscape reveals a complex tapestry of power struggles, unexpected alliances, and grassroots movements that promise to make these elections one of the most interesting in the nation’s history. In the heated political arena of Pakistan’s 2024 general elections, set to take place on feb 8th, 2024 to elect the members of the 16th National Assembly, a diverse array of political parties and candidates are in the fray, making it one of the most contested. elections in recent history.

    With over twelve political parties registered, the electoral battlefield showcases a wide spectrum of ideologies and regional interests. The number of candidates vying for seats is staggering, with thousands of individuals, including a significant number of independents, contesting across the nation.

    Among these are the prominent parties: the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by Nawaz Sharif; the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), spearheaded by Bilawal Bhutto; and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), under the leadership of Imran Khan, with a notable presence of their candidates even amidst challenging circumstances.

    Shehbaz Sharif, senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and former chief minister of Pakistan, finds himself in a precarious position. Experts opine that despite having been brought into power with the establishment/army’s backing, his influence across Pakistan seems to be waning. His campaign, focused on the government’s achievements before 2018, conveniently sidesteps discussions of the subsequent period marked by high inflation under his brother’s governance.

    Sharif’s strategic decision to contest from Kasur, abandoning his traditional stronghold in Lahore, is a testament to the shifting political sands. Interestingly, despite the apparent pressure from the military establishment in the past, Sharif refrains from criticizing army officers, a move that has not sat well with the public.

    On the other side of the political spectrum, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by Bilawal Bhutto, is gaining momentum. For the first time in three decades, a Bhutto is contesting from Lahore – a symbolic move since the PPP was founded in the house of stalwart leader Mubashar Hassan from this very city. Bilawal’s campaign is a clarion call to the workers of PTI and the general populace, positioning the electoral battle as one between the ‘Lion’ (PML-N’s symbol) and the ‘Arrow’ (PPP’s symbol). He vows to fight against the oppression and challenges Sharif’s leadership.

    The establishment’s apparent target, however, is the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan. In an unprecedented move, many of PTI’s top leaders, including Khan, find themselves behind bars, and the party’s election symbol, the cricket bat, has been controversially retracted. Despite these setbacks, more than 2000 PTI candidates are contesting as independents or from PTI symbol across 800 seats. The party’s campaign, stifled in physical spaces, has found a vibrant life on social media, with virtual rallies and songs in support of Khan resonating with the younger demographic.

    In an inspiring turn of events, the wives and mothers of incarcerated PTI leaders have stepped up to contest the elections. This surge in female candidacy, symbolized by Usman Dar’s mother’s Rehana Dar passionate campaign, underscores a pivotal moment for women in Pakistan’s political arena. She is contesting against Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s former defense minister. The slogan she gave to the public “Maa Tujeh Salam” (Mother, I salute you) is emotionally resonating with the public and creating a stronger connection with her. Usman Dar, regarded as one of Khan’s trusted aides.

    Qaisra Parvez, the spouse of Pervez Elahi, a senior leader in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Chief Minister of Punjab, is contesting the elections from the N-64 Gujrat constituency. Additionally, Ruba Umar, wife of Umar Dar, is a candidate in the PP-46 constituency. This election marks a historic first in Pakistan, as the women from the Chaudhry family are stepping directly into the political arena. They are not only aiming to uphold their family’s honor but are also taking a firm stance against the establishment.

    As the elections draw near, experts analyze voter turnout as a crucial factor. The high voter turnout in the recent by-elections in Punjab, where PTI secured 17 out of 18 seats, indicates a possible tilt in favor of PTI. However, there are concerns that efforts might be made to suppress voter turnout, which could lead to a more evenly distributed outcome among parties and benefit the establishment. Experts opine that this scenario could pave the way for a coalition government, potentially uniting Bilawal Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif in governance.

    The 2024 general elections in Pakistan are more than a political contest; They represent a pivotal test of the establishment’s influence and a significant challenge for Nawaz Sharif’s party. With the political landscape evolving rapidly, these elections promise to be a landmark event in Pakistan’s democratic journey.

  • Greater onus on Modi to bring peace: Pak ex-foreign minister

    Express News Service

    Former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri in his 2015 book, Neither a Hawk Nor a Dove, had claimed that India and Pakistan nearly reached a path-breaking formula on Kashmir through back channel negotiations from 2004-07. Kasuri spoke to Preetha Nair about current Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent call for peace talks with India and more.

    Edited excerpts:

    Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s interview calling for peace talks with India has created a flutter. Doable or wishful thinking?I welcome any statements from India or Pakistan, which speak of improved relations. I am aware of the various factors and impediments on both sides. From my experience, given the political will on both sides, these can be overcome. I believe all problems and disputes between the two countries can be resolved, including Kashmir. Given the nature of the problems of both countries, there are too many actors looking for an opportunity at any time to rock the boat.So, my suggestion is that first talks should be conducted on the back channel so that neither party tries to make political capital through self-serving leaks. During our time, we almost agreed on the settlement framework of J&K. At that time also, the basic framework was discussed on the back channel so that spoilers got very little opportunity to poison the atmosphere.

    After the interview, there was a clarification by Pakistan PMO that dialogues can take place only after the reversal of the decision taken on J&K.The prevailing political polarisation in Pakistan may have necessitated this. The Pakistani PM was criticised roundly by the Opposition for that statement. I faced a similar situation when I was foreign minister but I refused to budge. Everybody is trying to make political capital out of anything the other party says. It doesn’t mean one should give up in despair. We can’t change the situation in India or in Pakistan. We have to learn to live with those realities and still be clear about the ultimate objective – peace.

    Pak PM also said that the country has learned lessons from three wars.First a correction. There were four wars, the last being at Kargil in 1999. Second, the sentence could have been better phrased. PM talks of both Pakistan and India and not just Pakistan when he talks of ‘learned lessons’. But your own question implies that only Pakistan is learning from its mistakes and that India need not.

    India, in response to Pak PM said that it wants a normalised atmosphere free from terror and violence. Your comments.It’s a chicken and egg situation. My advice would be to start something on the back channel. Recent ceasefire was also a result of back channel talks – though at military to military level in 2018 when the two DGMOs held talks. It could not have come out of the blue or without the blessings of the political masters in Delhi and Islamabad.

    Khurshid Mahmud KasuriFormer Pakistan Foreign MinisterIt’s still a deadlock as both countries don’t have high commissioners in place, no trade ties, and virtually a freeze on movement. If a beginning is to be made, don’t you think the two sides should focus on the resumption of trade and upgrading of diplomatic ties?Yes, I agree. In fact, a very strange thing happened in Pakistan during PM Imran Khan’s tenure. One day the government agreed to open trade, and the next day, they reversed the decision just as you’re referring to PM Sharif’s statement. Let me say one thing clearly, Prime Minister Modi bears greater responsibility in promoting regional peace since he is currently the master of everything in India, which includes politics, the media, the judiciary, and the economy. That’s not the case in Pakistan where Pakistan PMs have to keep on juggling the ball to satisfy conflicting constituencies. The greater responsibility thus falls on PM Modi to make efforts for peace in South Asia.

    Recently, Pak journalist Hamid Mir claimed that PM Modi was scheduled to visit Pakistan in April 2021 and resume trade ties on condition that they will freeze the Kashmir issue for 20 years or so. He said that back channel talks were conducted by former army chief Bajwa. But then PM Khan backed out fearing political backlash.It’s quite clear that the articles were based on information directly supplied by General Bajwa.

    Mir also said that General Bajwa conducted the back channel talks with India without the knowledge of Imran Khan.I have no means to confirm this. On a lighter note though, let me say that the two foreign offices are normally not the greatest peacemakers – so it’s not a bad thing if they weren’t aware.

    Modi visited Lahore in 2015 during Nawaz Sharif’s time. Now that his party is in power, do you think it’s another opportunity for both countries?Based on Hamid Mir’s conversations with General Bajwa, it appears that PM Modi was supposed to visit Pakistan in 2021. If true, it only proves my point that things can change quite dramatically and in a jiffy. We don’t have to lose hope. However, the voices in India, which used to speak of peace with Pakistan are not being heard much. The media, particularly electronic media, is jingoistic.

    Pak PM also suggested involving UAE in the talks.UAE is a good interlocutor and it is considered as a very close friend of Pakistan. And it’s a close economic partner of India too. So I think they are in a position to play a role.

    Don’t you think back channel talks need to be accompanied by a broader political process?Of course. Unfortunately, the relationship between the two countries are very troubled. Back channel talks cannot help in creating an enabling environment for peace because by its very nature, it has to be secretive.Unless public opinion on both sides is in favour of improved relations and dialogue, nothing will fly. … India is a democratic country and I believe that it cannot live with a situation in which it is perceived to be constantly keeping Kashmiris down by force. This just cannot last and it is in India’s own interest to resolve these issues.

    Do you suggest India pick up from where you left? Your book said that India agreed to a four-point formula to resolve the Kashmir issue.That is the wisest thing to do. It doesn’t have to be an exact copy. Current rulers must take ownership. After all, the so-called four-point formula rests on something eminently sensible, a solution that is acceptable to Kashmiris and of course, the governments and people of Pakistan and India.

    How will the sharpening India-China competition play out in the ties between India and Pakistan?I hope that this does not impact the relations negatively but my fear is that it may well, unless handled prudently.

    Former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri in his 2015 book, Neither a Hawk Nor a Dove, had claimed that India and Pakistan nearly reached a path-breaking formula on Kashmir through back channel negotiations from 2004-07. Kasuri spoke to Preetha Nair about current Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent call for peace talks with India and more.

    Edited excerpts:

    Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s interview calling for peace talks with India has created a flutter. Doable or wishful thinking?
    I welcome any statements from India or Pakistan, which speak of improved relations. I am aware of the various factors and impediments on both sides. From my experience, given the political will on both sides, these can be overcome. I believe all problems and disputes between the two countries can be resolved, including Kashmir. Given the nature of the problems of both countries, there are too many actors looking for an opportunity at any time to rock the boat.So, my suggestion is that first talks should be conducted on the back channel so that neither party tries to make political capital through self-serving leaks. During our time, we almost agreed on the settlement framework of J&K. At that time also, the basic framework was discussed on the back channel so that spoilers got very little opportunity to poison the atmosphere.

    After the interview, there was a clarification by Pakistan PMO that dialogues can take place only after the reversal of the decision taken on J&K.
    The prevailing political polarisation in Pakistan may have necessitated this. The Pakistani PM was criticised roundly by the Opposition for that statement. I faced a similar situation when I was foreign minister but I refused to budge. Everybody is trying to make political capital out of anything the other party says. It doesn’t mean one should give up in despair. We can’t change the situation in India or in Pakistan. We have to learn to live with those realities and still be clear about the ultimate objective – peace.

    Pak PM also said that the country has learned lessons from three wars.
    First a correction. There were four wars, the last being at Kargil in 1999. Second, the sentence could have been better phrased. PM talks of both Pakistan and India and not just Pakistan when he talks of ‘learned lessons’. But your own question implies that only Pakistan is learning from its mistakes and that India need not.

    India, in response to Pak PM said that it wants a normalised atmosphere free from terror and violence. Your comments.
    It’s a chicken and egg situation. My advice would be to start something on the back channel. Recent ceasefire was also a result of back channel talks – though at military to military level in 2018 when the two DGMOs held talks. It could not have come out of the blue or without the blessings of the political masters in Delhi and Islamabad.

    Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri
    Former Pakistan Foreign MinisterIt’s still a deadlock as both countries don’t have high commissioners in place, no trade ties, and virtually a freeze on movement. If a beginning is to be made, don’t you think the two sides should focus on the resumption of trade and upgrading of diplomatic ties?
    Yes, I agree. In fact, a very strange thing happened in Pakistan during PM Imran Khan’s tenure. One day the government agreed to open trade, and the next day, they reversed the decision just as you’re referring to PM Sharif’s statement. Let me say one thing clearly, Prime Minister Modi bears greater responsibility in promoting regional peace since he is currently the master of everything in India, which includes politics, the media, the judiciary, and the economy. That’s not the case in Pakistan where Pakistan PMs have to keep on juggling the ball to satisfy conflicting constituencies. The greater responsibility thus falls on PM Modi to make efforts for peace in South Asia.

    Recently, Pak journalist Hamid Mir claimed that PM Modi was scheduled to visit Pakistan in April 2021 and resume trade ties on condition that they will freeze the Kashmir issue for 20 years or so. He said that back channel talks were conducted by former army chief Bajwa. But then PM Khan backed out fearing political backlash.
    It’s quite clear that the articles were based on information directly supplied by General Bajwa.

    Mir also said that General Bajwa conducted the back channel talks with India without the knowledge of Imran Khan.
    I have no means to confirm this. On a lighter note though, let me say that the two foreign offices are normally not the greatest peacemakers – so it’s not a bad thing if they weren’t aware.

    Modi visited Lahore in 2015 during Nawaz Sharif’s time. Now that his party is in power, do you think it’s another opportunity for both countries?
    Based on Hamid Mir’s conversations with General Bajwa, it appears that PM Modi was supposed to visit Pakistan in 2021. If true, it only proves my point that things can change quite dramatically and in a jiffy. We don’t have to lose hope. However, the voices in India, which used to speak of peace with Pakistan are not being heard much. The media, particularly electronic media, is jingoistic.

    Pak PM also suggested involving UAE in the talks.
    UAE is a good interlocutor and it is considered as a very close friend of Pakistan. And it’s a close economic partner of India too. So I think they are in a position to play a role.

    Don’t you think back channel talks need to be accompanied by a broader political process?
    Of course. Unfortunately, the relationship between the two countries are very troubled. Back channel talks cannot help in creating an enabling environment for peace because by its very nature, it has to be secretive.
    Unless public opinion on both sides is in favour of improved relations and dialogue, nothing will fly. … India is a democratic country and I believe that it cannot live with a situation in which it is perceived to be constantly keeping Kashmiris down by force. This just cannot last and it is in India’s own interest to resolve these issues.

    Do you suggest India pick up from where you left? Your book said that India agreed to a four-point formula to resolve the Kashmir issue.
    That is the wisest thing to do. It doesn’t have to be an exact copy. Current rulers must take ownership. After all, the so-called four-point formula rests on something eminently sensible, a solution that is acceptable to Kashmiris and of course, the governments and people of Pakistan and India.

    How will the sharpening India-China competition play out in the ties between India and Pakistan?
    I hope that this does not impact the relations negatively but my fear is that it may well, unless handled prudently.

  • SCO should create trusted supply chains; members should give each other transit rights: PM Modi

    By PTI

    SAMARKAND: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to create trusted and resilient supply chains to offset the disruptions caused by the Ukraine crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic and said the members of the grouping should give each other full transit rights to expand connectivity.

    With Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif listening, Modi, addressing the annual summit of the bloc, said India supports “greater cooperation and mutual trust” among the SCO member states even as he pitched for concerted efforts to combat terrorism.

    Modi’s emphasis on full transit rights comes amid Pakistan’s reluctance to provide such a facility to India for trade with other countries such as Afghanistan.

    Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said the SCO agreed to work towards developing a unified list of terrorist, separatist and extremist organisations whose activities are prohibited on the territories of the member states.

    It is for the first time Modi and Xi came face-to-face since the start of the border standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh around 28 months back.

    In his remarks, Modi said the pandemic and the Ukraine crisis have caused many disruptions in global supply chains, leaving the world facing “unprecedented” energy and food crises.

    At a late evening media briefing, Kwatra said Modi shared India’s perspective on regional and international situations including in Afghanistan and emphasised on the centrality of the aspirations of the central asian nations in the SCO.

    The prime minister also called for greater cooperation to fight terrorism in the region including under the framework of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of SCO (RATS SCO).

    He said Modi strongly put across India’s position on Afghanistan which essentially focused on the human-centric nature of assistance and that New Delhi favours an inclusive government in Kabul.

    The prime minister also mentioned the Chabahar port project as well as the International North-South Transport Corridor while highlighting the need for boosting regional connectivity, Kwatra said.

    In his address, Modi said the SCO, with almost 30 per cent of the global GDP and 40 per cent of the world’s population, has an important role to play in global economic recovery.

    Highlighting India’s growth trajectory, the prime minister also said that the Indian economy is expected to grow by 7.5 per cent this year, which will be the highest among the world’s largest economies.

    “India supports greater cooperation and mutual trust among SCO members. The pandemic and the crisis in Ukraine have caused many disruptions in global supply chains, leaving the world facing unprecedented energy and food crises,” he said.

    “The SCO should strive to develop reliable, resilient and diversified supply chains in our region. For this, better connectivity will be required, as well as it will also be important that we all give full rights of transit to each other,” he said.

    At the summit, Uzbekistan handed over the rotating presidency of the eight-member SCO to India. In his address, Chinese President Xi conveyed China’s congratulations to India on assuming the SCO presidency.

    “We will, together with other member states, support India during its presidency,” he said.

    Referring to food security crisis across the globe, the prime minister pitched for the promotion of the cultivation and consumption of millets.

    “The world today faces another major challenge, and that is ensuring the food security of our citizens. One possible solution to this problem is to promote the cultivation and consumption of millets,” he said.

    ALSO READ: We want to transform India into a manufacturing hub, says PM Modi at SCO Summit

    “Millets is a superfood that has been grown for thousands of years, not only in SCO countries, but in many parts of the world, and is a traditional, nutritious and low-cost alternative to the food crisis,” Modi said.

    The prime minister said the SCO should consider organising a ‘Millet Food Festival’.

    Talking about economic cooperation, the prime minister said the role of the SCO has become very important when the whole world is facing the challenges of economic recovery after the pandemic.

    “We are making progress on making India a manufacturing hub. India’s young and talented workforce makes us naturally competitive. India’s economy is expected to grow at 7.5 per cent this year, which will be the highest among the world’s major economies,” Modi said.

    The prime minister also talked about India’s focus on proper use of technology in its people-centric development model.

    “We are supporting innovation in every sector. Today there are over 70,000 start-ups in India, of which over 100 are unicorns. This experience of ours can be of use to many other SCO members as well,” the prime minister said.

    “For this purpose, we are ready to share our experience with the member countries of SCO by establishing a new Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation,” he added.

    The prime minister said India today is one of the most affordable destinations for medical and wellness tourism in the world.

    “The WHO Global Center for Traditional Medicine was inaugurated in Gujarat in April 2022. This will be the WHO’s first and only Global Center for Traditional Medicine,” Modi said.

    “We should increase cooperation on traditional medicine among SCO countries. For this, India will take initiative on a new SCO Working Group on Traditional Medicine,” he said.

    Following the summit, the leaders signed the Samarkand Declaration and adopted a package of documents.

    The SCO Heads of State Council adopted statements for cooperation in areas of climate change, reliable, sustainable and diversified supply chains, and on ensuring global food security and international energy security.

    The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

    Over the years, it has emerged as one of the largest trans-regional international organisations. India and Pakistan became its permanent members in 2017.

    SAMARKAND: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to create trusted and resilient supply chains to offset the disruptions caused by the Ukraine crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic and said the members of the grouping should give each other full transit rights to expand connectivity.

    With Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif listening, Modi, addressing the annual summit of the bloc, said India supports “greater cooperation and mutual trust” among the SCO member states even as he pitched for concerted efforts to combat terrorism.

    Modi’s emphasis on full transit rights comes amid Pakistan’s reluctance to provide such a facility to India for trade with other countries such as Afghanistan.

    Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said the SCO agreed to work towards developing a unified list of terrorist, separatist and extremist organisations whose activities are prohibited on the territories of the member states.

    It is for the first time Modi and Xi came face-to-face since the start of the border standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh around 28 months back.

    In his remarks, Modi said the pandemic and the Ukraine crisis have caused many disruptions in global supply chains, leaving the world facing “unprecedented” energy and food crises.

    At a late evening media briefing, Kwatra said Modi shared India’s perspective on regional and international situations including in Afghanistan and emphasised on the centrality of the aspirations of the central asian nations in the SCO.

    The prime minister also called for greater cooperation to fight terrorism in the region including under the framework of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of SCO (RATS SCO).

    He said Modi strongly put across India’s position on Afghanistan which essentially focused on the human-centric nature of assistance and that New Delhi favours an inclusive government in Kabul.

    The prime minister also mentioned the Chabahar port project as well as the International North-South Transport Corridor while highlighting the need for boosting regional connectivity, Kwatra said.

    In his address, Modi said the SCO, with almost 30 per cent of the global GDP and 40 per cent of the world’s population, has an important role to play in global economic recovery.

    Highlighting India’s growth trajectory, the prime minister also said that the Indian economy is expected to grow by 7.5 per cent this year, which will be the highest among the world’s largest economies.

    “India supports greater cooperation and mutual trust among SCO members. The pandemic and the crisis in Ukraine have caused many disruptions in global supply chains, leaving the world facing unprecedented energy and food crises,” he said.

    “The SCO should strive to develop reliable, resilient and diversified supply chains in our region. For this, better connectivity will be required, as well as it will also be important that we all give full rights of transit to each other,” he said.

    At the summit, Uzbekistan handed over the rotating presidency of the eight-member SCO to India. In his address, Chinese President Xi conveyed China’s congratulations to India on assuming the SCO presidency.

    “We will, together with other member states, support India during its presidency,” he said.

    Referring to food security crisis across the globe, the prime minister pitched for the promotion of the cultivation and consumption of millets.

    “The world today faces another major challenge, and that is ensuring the food security of our citizens. One possible solution to this problem is to promote the cultivation and consumption of millets,” he said.

    ALSO READ: We want to transform India into a manufacturing hub, says PM Modi at SCO Summit

    “Millets is a superfood that has been grown for thousands of years, not only in SCO countries, but in many parts of the world, and is a traditional, nutritious and low-cost alternative to the food crisis,” Modi said.

    The prime minister said the SCO should consider organising a ‘Millet Food Festival’.

    Talking about economic cooperation, the prime minister said the role of the SCO has become very important when the whole world is facing the challenges of economic recovery after the pandemic.

    “We are making progress on making India a manufacturing hub. India’s young and talented workforce makes us naturally competitive. India’s economy is expected to grow at 7.5 per cent this year, which will be the highest among the world’s major economies,” Modi said.

    The prime minister also talked about India’s focus on proper use of technology in its people-centric development model.

    “We are supporting innovation in every sector. Today there are over 70,000 start-ups in India, of which over 100 are unicorns. This experience of ours can be of use to many other SCO members as well,” the prime minister said.

    “For this purpose, we are ready to share our experience with the member countries of SCO by establishing a new Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation,” he added.

    The prime minister said India today is one of the most affordable destinations for medical and wellness tourism in the world.

    “The WHO Global Center for Traditional Medicine was inaugurated in Gujarat in April 2022. This will be the WHO’s first and only Global Center for Traditional Medicine,” Modi said.

    “We should increase cooperation on traditional medicine among SCO countries. For this, India will take initiative on a new SCO Working Group on Traditional Medicine,” he said.

    Following the summit, the leaders signed the Samarkand Declaration and adopted a package of documents.

    The SCO Heads of State Council adopted statements for cooperation in areas of climate change, reliable, sustainable and diversified supply chains, and on ensuring global food security and international energy security.

    The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

    Over the years, it has emerged as one of the largest trans-regional international organisations. India and Pakistan became its permanent members in 2017.

  • Ahead of SCO summit, Pakistan’s PM talks about peaceful ties with India

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: With less than a month to go for the SCO Summit in Samarkand, Pakistan’s tone and tenor about the resumption of talks with India appears to be softening. In a meeting with Australia’s newly appointed ambassador in Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he aspires to have peaceful bilateral ties with India. He also spoke about a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.

    This is the first time since Sharif came to power that he has expressed a desire to have peaceful bilateral relations with India. He is also believed to have said that the role of the international community will facilitate the peace process in the region.

    “Pakistan is in a political and economic mess that could push it over the cliff like Sri Lanka. Internal unrest and regional instability are threatening its survival. It is left with little choice but to mend bridges with India. What Sharif has communicated to the Australian High Commissioner also indicates that it is hoping to involve close partners of India for a possible thaw, ahead of the upcoming SCO Summit in Samarkand during Sept 15-17,” according to an expert on India-Pakistan relations.

    ALSO READ | 75 years of tensions in India-Pakistan relations

    Inflation is running above 38 per cent annually in Pakistan, and Standards and Poor Global have downgraded Pakistan’s long-term outlook to negative. Pakistan is also desperately seeking help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an urgent release of funds.

    There is coordination between India and Pakistan on one multilateral forum the World Trade Organization (WTO). Both countries have made two joint submissions at the WTO as co-sponsors during the past few months. In June, Pakistan joined India, Cuba, and 44 African countries, seeking sufficient flexibility in intellectual property rights for developing countries to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. In July, the same group of countries again submitted a communication to the WTO on strengthening the intergovernmental organisation to promote development and inclusivity.

    ALSO READ | Partition has turned India, Pakistan into sorrowful countries: BJP leader

    Sharif brings up India at meet with the Aussie envoy

    In a meeting with Australia’s newly appointed ambassador in Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he aspires to have peaceful bilateral ties with India. He also spoke about a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. This is the first time since Sharif came to power that he has expressed a desire to have peaceful bilateral relations with India.

    NEW DELHI: With less than a month to go for the SCO Summit in Samarkand, Pakistan’s tone and tenor about the resumption of talks with India appears to be softening. In a meeting with Australia’s newly appointed ambassador in Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he aspires to have peaceful bilateral ties with India. He also spoke about a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.

    This is the first time since Sharif came to power that he has expressed a desire to have peaceful bilateral relations with India. He is also believed to have said that the role of the international community will facilitate the peace process in the region.

    “Pakistan is in a political and economic mess that could push it over the cliff like Sri Lanka. Internal unrest and regional instability are threatening its survival. It is left with little choice but to mend bridges with India. What Sharif has communicated to the Australian High Commissioner also indicates that it is hoping to involve close partners of India for a possible thaw, ahead of the upcoming SCO Summit in Samarkand during Sept 15-17,” according to an expert on India-Pakistan relations.

    ALSO READ | 75 years of tensions in India-Pakistan relations

    Inflation is running above 38 per cent annually in Pakistan, and Standards and Poor Global have downgraded Pakistan’s long-term outlook to negative. Pakistan is also desperately seeking help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an urgent release of funds.

    There is coordination between India and Pakistan on one multilateral forum the World Trade Organization (WTO). Both countries have made two joint submissions at the WTO as co-sponsors during the past few months. In June, Pakistan joined India, Cuba, and 44 African countries, seeking sufficient flexibility in intellectual property rights for developing countries to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. In July, the same group of countries again submitted a communication to the WTO on strengthening the intergovernmental organisation to promote development and inclusivity.

    ALSO READ | Partition has turned India, Pakistan into sorrowful countries: BJP leader

    Sharif brings up India at meet with the Aussie envoy

    In a meeting with Australia’s newly appointed ambassador in Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he aspires to have peaceful bilateral ties with India. He also spoke about a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. This is the first time since Sharif came to power that he has expressed a desire to have peaceful bilateral relations with India.

  • Modi congratulates new Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif; says India desires peace in a region free of terror 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the Pakistani prime minister and said India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror.

    “Congratulations to H.E. Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan,” Modi tweeted.

    “India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror, so that we can focus on our development challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of our people,” the prime minister said.

    Shehbaz Sharif was sworn-in as the prime minister of Pakistan on Monday, bringing to an end the political uncertainty that had gripped the country since a no-confidence motion was introduced against his predecessor Imran Khan on March 8.

  • What India can expect from Shehbaz Sharif

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Imran Khan is the 19th Prime Minister of Pakistan who failed to complete his five-year term.

    “Most of the ousted PM’s were removed by the army or courts, but Imran Khan removed himself!,’’ tweeted senior Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi.

    With Imran’s unceremonious exit, speculation is rife in India on how his nominated successor, 70-year-old Shehbaz Sharif’s, approach will be towards India.

    India’s relations with Pakistan took a downward slope during the tenure of Imran Khan as he continuously parroted Pakistan’s stand on Kashmir and was hawkish with India. Though Shehbaz too has raised the Kashmir issue, his tenor is softer towards India and minorities.

    During Holi he wished Hindus living in Pakistan for the festival and tweeted, “our diversity is our greatest strength. Pakistan belongs to all its citizens, irrespective of their caste, creed and colour. May the day be source of peace and happiness for all.’’

    Shehbaz often tweets condemning the killings of minorities (Hindus and Christians) in Pakistan. Such instances reflect a more neutral politician. He even mourned the passing away of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar.

    However, one can’t be sure whether this sentiment will lead to a change in Pakistan’s stand on India.

    Shehbaz’s brother former PM Nawaz Sharif has had close ties with Indian industrialist Sajjan Jindal. Experts on Pakistan say that there is a possibility of a collaborative venture between India and Pakistan through Jindal in the times ahead as there is a strong possibility of Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan.

    On the foreign policy, Shehbaz will continue close ties with the US, China and Turkey. There have been concerns expressed on his health though as he is a cancer survivor.

    Democracy seems to be finding its feet in Pakistan, if Shehbaz is successful in restoring that till elections are held next year, a thaw in India’s relations with Pakistan cannot be ruled out. Meanwhile, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto has recalled what happened on April 10, besides being the that Pakistan approved its Constitution.

    On April 10th, 1986, Benazir Bhutto ended her self-imposed exile and arrived in Lahore to launch her struggle against Ziaul Haq. It is the same day that Imran proved to be an undemocratic burden on the country and saw the end of his rule.

    “I have a message for the Pakistani youth that they should never give up their dreams as nothing is impossible. Democracy is the best revenge,’’ says Bilawal.

    One can only hope that this optimism of having a truly democratic form of government in Pakistan becomes a reality, as only then can there be a significant improvement in relations between India and Pakistan which would begin with the reestablishment of trade ties between the two countries.