100+ prominent India, Pakistan voices appeal for ‘confidence building measures’

NEW DELHI: Over 100 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan have urged PMs of both countries to take meaningful and sustained steps towards restoring peace, normalcy, dialogue and cooperation.In an open letter, they have listed a slew of “confidence building measures”, including restoring full diplomatic relations and reinstating high commissioners in New Delhi and Islamabad, as well as resuming normal visa services.The letter – addressed to PMs Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif – steered by Centre for Peace and Progress chairperson OP Shah has 117 signatories, including 61 from India, such as National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, RJD MP Manoj Jha, Congress’s Mani Shankar Aiyar, AJUP’s Humanyun Kabir and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.“India and Pakistan together are home to nearly one-fifth of humanity. A large proportion of our population is young. Continued hostility deprives millions of young people of opportunities, prosperity and a secure future. The people of both countries deserve a future defined by peace, development, connectivity and cooperation, rather than perpetual mistrust and confrontation,” the letter said. “Decades of estrangement has hindered our collective potential and imposed significant social, economic and human costs,” it added.The letter listed “confidence-building measures” ranging from resumption of structured dialogue by reopening comprehensive bilateral dialogue on outstanding issues to create lasting peace.