Now, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has withdrawn his invitation to the United Arab Emirates’ emir to mediate Pakistan-India negotiations. Foreign intermediates are utilised for meditation all over the world to cover gaps where there are no major bilateral contacts. Most of the time, such intervention can be beneficial; history is full of such examples. In the case of Pakistan and India, such intervention is only necessary if both sides agree to it. It appears that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the offer to the UAE emir in haste to use his influence to bridge the Kashmir gap between Pakistan and India. Now, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has withdrawn his invitation to the United Arab Emirates’ emir to mediate Pakistan-India negotiations. Foreign intermediates are utilised for meditation all over the world to cover gaps where there are no major bilateral contacts. Most of the time, such intervention can be beneficial; history is full of such examples. In the case of Pakistan and India, such intervention is only necessary if both sides agree to it. It appears that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the offer to the UAE emir in haste to use his influence to bridge the Kashmir gap between Pakistan and India.
While Pakistan has always been open to foreign facilitation of negotiations, India has maintained a strict stance, opposing international engagement in the Kashmir issue. Despite this position, both parties do listen behind the scenes to powerful shared friends, and if these friends truly offer their good offices, they should be taken up by both, even if it merely leads to bilateral conversations about talks. However, for bilateral or collaborative initiatives to work, both capitals must demonstrate flexibility and be willing to ease their respective positions. In terms of Pakistan, there should be no uncertainty in the message, as there was when the Prime Minister’s Officer reversed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks.
Equally crucial is that the endeavour is led by elected officials, with the establishment supporting the government’s choice. Restoring the high commissioners in both capitals is one thing that can be done right away. The lower-level staff has been managing issues at the individual missions since the crisis in August 2019. Additionally, it is hoped that the resumed confidence-building measures, such as removing visa restrictions and restarting cultural and sporting exchanges, will encourage more in-depth discussions and lessen the toxic narrative.
