100 Experts Write a Letter to Indian PM Modi and Pakistani PM Sharif

More than 100 experts from various fields have co-authored and sent a joint letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The letter urges both nations to restore bilateral ties and work toward normalizing relations.

This appeal comes amidst ongoing tensions in their bilateral relations. In the letter, the experts requested both governments to resume dialogue, reopen trade and transport links, and revive people-to-people connections.

The appeal, issued by the Center for Peace and Progress, has been signed by a total of 117 individuals, including 61 from India and 56 from Pakistan. Highlighting that this prolonged enmity is depriving millions of youth of opportunities, prosperity, and a secure future, the appeal urged both governments to bring it to an end.

Prominent Signatories
From India: National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, RJD MP Manoj Jha, and former TMC minister & current AJUP leader Humayun Kabir.

From Pakistan: Former Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, National Assembly member Isphanyar Bhandara, and nuclear physicist & author Pervez Hoodbhoy.

Key Demands
The signatories urged both leaders to implement confidence-building measures, which include:

Restoring full diplomatic relations.

Reappointing High Commissioners in New Delhi and Islamabad.

Resuming normal visa services.

Reopening airspace for commercial flights.