A group of 117 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan has jointly appealed to the governments of both countries to resume diplomatic dialogue and take steps towards improving bilateral relations.
In an open appeal addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the signatories called for renewed engagement following months of strained relations between the neighbouring countries.
Appeal for restoring diplomatic ties
The joint statement urges both governments to reinstate their High Commissioners in New Delhi and Islamabad, a move the signatories believe would help revive diplomatic communication and reduce tensions.
The group has also sought the restoration of normal visa services, allowing families, students, professionals, and pilgrims to travel more easily between the two countries.
Reopening airspace among key demands
Among the other recommendations is the reopening of airspace and the resumption of regular connectivity, which the signatories say would facilitate trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
They argued that sustained dialogue remains the most effective way to address differences while promoting regional peace and stability.
Call for peaceful engagement
The appeal comes amid ongoing discussions over India-Pakistan relations and reflects the views of civil society members advocating greater communication between the two nations.
The signatories emphasised that ordinary citizens on both sides of the border stand to benefit from improved diplomatic ties, expanded cultural exchanges, and increased opportunities for cooperation.
There has been no immediate official response from either government to the appeal.
The initiative has generated discussion on social media, with some users welcoming the call for dialogue while others maintained that any future engagement should be guided by national security considerations and mutual trust.