THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Kashmir's Chief Preacher Mirwaiz Urges India, Pakistan To Resume ... Srinagar, Jun 30 (PTI) Kashmir's chief preacher Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Tuesday asserted that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving issues, and urged the leadership in India and Pakistan to return to the negotiating table. "As we speak about global peace, I am pleased that efforts are underway to revive dialogue between the United States and Iran. Once again, talks between the two countries are expected to take place this week. We have always supported such efforts," the Mirwaiz told reporters here. He said that if the US and Iran can come to the negotiating table after escalation, then India and Pakistan can also sit together and talk to resolve issues. "It was in this context that last Friday at Jamia Masjid I said that if Iran and the United States can come to the negotiating table, after escalation, then India and Pakistan can also sit together and talk to resolve issues. In this spirit, I appealed to the leadership of India to embrace the path of dialogue, because wars do not resolve disputes. It is through dialogue that issues are addressed and resolved," he said. Addressing the Friday congr…

An open letter from 117 eminent India and Pak citizens to PM Modi, Sharif A year after Operation Sindoor, over 100 prominent figures from India and Pakistan, including several politicians and public figures, have jointly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart, Shehbaz Sharif, to take concrete and sustained steps towards restoring peace, dialogue and normal bilateral relations between the two countries. The appeal, issued by the Centre for Peace and Progress and signed by 117 people, 61 from India and 56 from Pakistan, urged the two governments to end the prolonged hostility, saying it was denying millions of young people opportunities, prosperity and a secure future. The Indian signatories included National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, RJD MP Manoj Jha, and former TMC minister and current AJUP leader Humayun Kabir. Among the Pakistani signatories were former Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, National Assembly member Isphanyar Bhandara, and nuclear physicist and author Pervez Hoodbhoy. The signatories urged the two leaders to revive …

‘Baaten Hain, Baaton Ka Kya’: Why India-Pakistan Track II, III, IV... diplomacy is a song on loop A recent open letter from prominent Indian and Pakistani citizens urging renewed dialogue for peace faces an uphill battle. The article argues that India-Pakistan relations are stalled not by a lack of meetings, but by deep-seated ideological, political, and institutional divides. Pakistan's military establishment holds the real power, rendering civilian-led talks potentially futile.

Pak-India dialogue? <p>FOR the past 10 years, India’s BJP government has adopted a policy of complete disconnect with Pakistan. Even people-to-people and sporting links have been stopped. During this period, India has carried out three kinetic aggressions against Pakistan: <a href="http://www.dawn.com/news/1285839">September 2016</a>, <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1536224">February 2019</a> and <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1996978">May 2025</a>. As South Asia witnesses deepening estrangement, the world has moved on. Far-reaching strategic shifts have affected the geopolitics of West Asia, Europe and East Asia. The US and Iran have <a href="https://www.dawn.com/live/iran-israel-war">fought</a> a 40-day war and are now negotiating a peace settlement, <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2013076">helped</a> by Pakistan and Qatar. The US and China have agreed to steer their competition towards “strategic stability”.</p> <p>Four major factors have bedevilled bilateral ties since 1947: mutual mistrust, the unresolved dispute over Jammu and Kashmir, India’s use of terrorism to malign Pakistan and New Delhi’s pursuit of regional dominance in South Asia. Most recently, India’s dec…

Watch: 117 voices appeal for peace between India and Pakistan At least 117 prominent individuals from India and Pakistan have jointly appealed to Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif to revive bilateral dialogue and take steps towards lasting peace in the region. In an open letter, they called for the resumption of discussions on Jammu and Kashmir, including revisiting the framework negotiated between 2004 and 2007. They also urged both countries to pursue demilitarisation, de-escalation and address each other’s legitimate security concerns.

Bilawal urges India to return to negotiating table - Pakistan Today Staff Report June 16, 2025 BRUSSELS/ISLAMABAD:Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday emphasized comprehensive dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve all outstanding issues and urged India to return to the negotiating table, warning that continued avoidance of dialogue would only harm regional peace. “If New Delhi does not come to the negotiation table, it will not be in their favour,” Bilawal decalred while speaking in an interview with German broadcaster DW Urdu during a visit to Brussels on Sunday. Former foreign minister warned that any attempt by India to block Pakistan’s water supply would be seen as an existential threat, leaving Pakistan with no option but war. Bilawal, who is leading a parliamentary delegation to the West, also urged the international community a day earlier to bring India to the table for talks and to play its role in ensuring lasting peace in South Asia — including resolution of the longstanding Kashmir dispute, water issues, and terrorism — through a composite dialogue, which he said India was unwilling to pursue. “Such actions pose an exis…

South Asian leaders urged to choose ‘talks over hostility’ <p>ISLAMABAD: Over one hundred civil society representatives from Pakistan and India have jointly appealed to the two prime ministers to take “meaningful and sustained” steps to restore peace, dialogue and cooperation in South Asia.</p> <p>The appeal was coordinated by O. P. Shah, who heads the New Delhi-based think tank, Centre for Peace and Progress.</p> <p>The signatories said unrelenting hostility was depriving millions of young people of “opportunities, prosperity and a secure future”.</p> <p>“India and Pakistan combined are home to nearly one-fifth of humanity. The people of both countries deserve a future defined by peace, development, connectivity and cooperation, rather than perpetual mistrust and confrontation,” they said in their appeals to Prime Ministers Shehbaz Sharif and Narendra Modi on Tuesday.</p> <blockquote class="blockquote-level-1"> <p>In joint appeal, over 100 civil society representatives say Pakistan-India acrimony is robbing both nations of ‘a secure future’</p> </blockquote> <p>The Pakistani signatories include former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former ambassador to New Delhi Ashraf …

Farooq, Mehbooba join call for India-Pak dialogue, BJP says terror and talks can't go together Former J&amp;K CMs Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, alongside nearly 60 Indian signatories, have urged India and Pakistan to resume dialogue for regional peace. Their letter highlights the lost opportunities for millions of young people due to ongoing hostility. Kashmir's chief cleric also supported the call, emphasizing that engagement is the only way to resolve differences and build a prosperous South Asia.

Omar Abdullah backs call for India-Pak talks, says even RSS favours dialogue Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah advocated for renewed India-Pakistan dialogue, emphasizing it's the sole path to de-escalate tensions. He questioned the criticism faced by J&amp;K politicians for similar calls, contrasting it with the lack of backlash for RSS leaders advocating open talks. Abdullah highlighted the importance of improving neighborly relations, referencing former PM Vajpayee's sentiment.

Bilawal calls upon India to return to negotiating table - The Tribune Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has urged India to return to the negotiating table, saying that all outstanding issues between the two countries can only be resolved through comprehensive dialogue. Bilawal, who is leading a parliamentary delegation to the West, made the comments during a visit to Brussels on Sunday. “All outstanding issues between Pakistan and India can only be resolved through comprehensive dialogue,” he said. “If India does not come to the table, it will not be in their favour.” The former Foreign Minister warned that any attempt by India to block Pakistan’s water supply would be seen as an existential threat, leaving Pakistan with no option but war. A day earlier, Bilawal urged the international community to bring India to the table for talks and to play its role in ensuring lasting peace in South Asia — including resolution of the longstanding Kashmir issue, water issues, and terrorism — through a composite dialogue. India has made it clear that it will only have a dialogue with Pakistan on the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the issue of terrorism. Th…

Over 100 prominent citizens from India, Pakistan write to Modi, Shehbaz ... Urging the Prime Ministers of both nations to take meaningful and sustained steps towards restoring peace, normalcy, dialogue and cooperation, a group of over 100 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan on Tuesday called for an end to continued hostility, which, they said, is depriving millions of young people of both sides of opportunities, prosperity and a secure future. They sought restoration of full diplomatic relations and reinstatement of High Commissioners in New Delhi and Islamabad in addition to resumption of normal visa services for citizens of both countries. Issued by the ‘Centre for Peace and Progress’, an open letter by 117 signatories, including significant political figures from India and Pakistan, made suggestions ranging from immediate diplomatic measures to the resumption of a structured dialogue, the reconnection of people-to-people links as well as promotion of religious and cultural access. National Conference chief DrFarooq Abdullah, separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, RJD MP Manoj Jha, former TMC minister and current AJUP leader Humayun Kabir were…

No controversy when RSS seeks India-Pak talks but J&K leaders face ... Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday strongly backed the resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan, asserting that peaceful engagement is the only way to resolve outstanding issues. Citing former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s famous remark that “friends can be changed, but neighbours cannot,” Omar also questioned why dialogue calls from leaders in Jammu and Kashmir trigger controversy while comparable statements by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders do not. Advertisement Omar, who was replying to questions from media persons in Shopian, said that the tension between India and Pakistan is not new and it has existed for the past 30 to 40 years. The tension further escalated after last year’s terrorist attack in Pahalgam. His remarks came in the backdrop of an appeal by several civil society members urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resume meaningful engagement, restore diplomatic and people-to-people ties, and resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue. Advertisement “On the past few days, if my knowledge is correct, one of the senior leaders of RSS said that…

Omar backs India-Pak dialogue; BJP insists terror must end first Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday backed dialogue between India and Pakistan, saying there should be no objection to efforts aimed at normalising relations between the two neighbouring countries. “When RSS leaders urge the government to initiate talks with Pakistan, there is no issue. But as soon as leaders from J&K make the same demand, there is an outrage. There should be no objection to initiating talks between the two countries,” Omar told reporters. He said tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, followed by a brief military confrontation. His remarks came after 117 prominent personalities from India and Pakistan jointly wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging them to resume dialogue and reopen diplomatic channels. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said Jammu and Kashmir’s strategic and geographical position had left it caught in the political tensions between India and Pakistan, making the situation “grim day by day”. She said the issue affected not only the people of Jammu and Ka…

India, Pakistan should return to negotiating table: Mirwaiz The Mirwaiz stated that India-Pakistan friendship is key to resolving ‘longstanding issues, including the Kashmir conflict’, and expressed hope that leaders from all sides will support peaceful efforts for resolution

Looking for an Alexander <p>SCORES of public intellectuals, former diplomats and erstwhile denizens of the deep state from India and Pakistan <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2012083">renewed a call recently for the resumption of peace talks and friendlier relations </a>between their strained countries. They sought restoration of full diplomatic ties and reopening of trade routes with improved transportation links. They sought to make it easier to get visas to encourage and enable people from both countries to visit each other. The statement argued that continued tension hurts millions of young people. The activists asked leaders to put the welfare of the people ahead of conflict. What could be worthier than the charter of utterly reasonable demands for a more harmonious and integrated South Asia? It’s an increasingly overdue need.</p> <p>However, the call for peace came at a time when Pakistan had locked up the main opposition party in the person of its charismatic leader. India on its part has preferred a similar route but by locking out the opposition from its critical role inside and outside parliament. In a blow to the pit of popular will that could maim a democracy, India’…

100+ prominent India, Pak voices appeal for 'confidence building measures' Over 100 prominent Indian and Pakistani citizens have penned an open letter to Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, urging them to restore peace and dialogue. The signatories propose confidence-building measures like reinstating full diplomatic ties and resuming normal visa services. They emphasize that continued hostility hinders the prosperity and secure future of millions of young people in both nations, stressing the need for cooperation over confrontation.

Watch: Jammu and Kashmir should become a ‘bridge of peace’ between India and Pakistan: Mehbooba Mufti Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on July 1 suggested that the Centre make Jammu and Kashmir a gateway between South and Central Asia, and use its geographical location to strengthen ties with Pakistan and China.

117 Indian and Pakistani leaders write to Modi and Sharif - Bhaskar English English News National 117 Prominent People From India PAK Wrote Letter To Modi Shehbaz 'End hostility, restart talks': 117 prominent Indian and Pakistani citizens write to PM Modi, Shehbaz Sharif New Delhi/Islamabad 5 hours ago Copy link The letter has signatures of 61 personalities from India and 56 from Pakistan. To improve India-Pakistan relations, 117 prominent people from both countries have written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They urged the two leaders to choose dialogue over confrontation to help create an environment of peace and development in South Asia. The 117 signatories include former officials, social activists and political leaders. From India, 61 people, including Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Manoj Jha, signed the letter. From Pakistan, 56 people, including former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri, also signed it. What you want to know about India-Pakistan relations 1. Resume dialogue between the two countries Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lahore on December 25, 2015, and met then Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz …

India, Pak Should Return to Negotiating Table: Mirwaiz Kashmir's chief preacher Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Tuesday asserted that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving issues, and urged the leadership in India and Pakistan to return to the negotiating table "As we speak about global peace, I am pleased that efforts are underway to revive dialogue between the United States and Iran. Once again, talks between the two countries are expected to take place this week. We have always supported such efforts," the Mirwaiz told reporters here. He said that if the US and Iran can come to the negotiating table after escalation, then India and Pakistan can also sit together and talk to resolve issues. "It was in this context that last Friday at Jamia Masjid I said that if Iran and the United States can come to the negotiating table, after escalation, then India and Pakistan can also sit together and talk to resolve issues. In this spirit, I appealed to the leadership of India to embrace the path of dialogue, because wars do not resolve disputes. It is through dialogue that issues are addressed and resolved," he said. Addressing the Friday congregation at the Jamia Masjid here, the …

‘Talks over hostility’ <p>THE recent <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2012083">appeal </a>endorsed by civil society members from Pakistan and India, urging the prime ministers of both states to take “meaningful and sustained” steps for peace is well-intentioned.</p> <p>No rational mind will disagree with the need for peace in the subcontinent, and an end to the toxicity that has marked bilateral ties for nearly eight decades. Yet it takes two to tango, and while Pakistan has on numerous occasions tried to restart the dialogue process in the last few years, India has shown little enthusiasm for talks.</p> <figure class='media w-full sm:w-1/2 media--right media--embed media--uneven' data-original-src='https://www.dawn.com/news/2010503/why-modis-strategy-to-isolate-pakistan-backfired'> <div class='media__item media__item--newskitlink '> <iframe class="nk-iframe" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:250px;position:relative" src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/2010503" sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div> </figure> <p>Over 100 individuals h…

100+ eminent Indians, Pakistanis urge PM Modi, Sharif to revive bilateral dialogue Among the signatories are former RAW chief A S Dulat, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, along with retired diplomats and members of civil society from both countries.

Over 100 politicians, former diplomats from India and Pakistan write to ... Over 100 prominent politicians, former diplomats and civil society members from India and Pakistan have jointly appealed to Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif to restore diplomatic engagement and normalise relations between the two neighbours. The appeal comes amid continued strains in bilateral ties and calls on both governments to resume dialogue, reopen trade and transport links, and expand people-to-people exchanges. The open letter was signed by 116 people — 61 from India and 55 from Pakistan — including former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief AS Dulat, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, former Pakistan diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar and former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri. Coordinated by OP Shah, chairman of the Centre for Peace and Progress, the letter, dated 30 June, urged the two governments to take "meaningful and sustained steps towards restoring peace, normalcy, dialogue and cooperation in South As…