India-Pakistan Relations Remain Frozen as Over 100 Influential Citizens Urge Prime Ministers to Restore Dialogue

The open letter, issued by the Centre for Peace and Progress, has been signed by a total of 117 eminent individuals, including 61 from India and 56 from Pakistan. The signatories have called upon the leadership of both nations to revive peace, restore normalcy, resume dialogue, and promote long-term cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

Among the Indian signatories are National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, People's Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti, Rashtriya Janata Dal Member of Parliament Manoj Jha, and AJUP leader Humayun Kabir. From Pakistan, the signatories include former Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri, diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, National Assembly member Isphanyar Bhandara, and nuclear physicist and author Pervez Hoodbhoy.

According to the letter, the prolonged hostility between India and Pakistan is imposing the greatest burden on the younger generation of both countries by limiting opportunities, hindering development, and affecting prospects for a secure future. The signatories have urged both governments to reopen the Attari-Wagah border for trade and travel, restore the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service, and reopen the Kartarpur Corridor. The letter also advocates the resumption of bilateral dialogue, greater people-to-people engagement, and the promotion of religious and cultural exchanges.

The appeal comes at a time when India has adopted a policy of complete disengagement with Pakistan following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam last year. Since then, New Delhi has suspended political, diplomatic, and trade engagement with Islamabad. Even during international sporting events, Indian athletes have reportedly refrained from shaking hands with Pakistani competitors, reflecting the prevailing diplomatic tensions.

India also decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, a move that has significantly increased pressure on Pakistan. The issue has emerged as one of the most sensitive points in bilateral relations, with Pakistan expressing serious concerns over the decision.

Pakistani political leaders, military leadership, and other senior officials have repeatedly issued warnings of conflict over the Indus River issue. Against this backdrop, the open letter urges both governments to restore full diplomatic relations, reappoint High Commissioners in New Delhi and Islamabad, and resume regular visa services for ordinary citizens.

The appeal by 117 prominent citizens highlights growing calls from sections of civil society in both countries for renewed diplomatic engagement despite the continuing political, security, and strategic tensions that have pushed India-Pakistan relations to one of their most difficult phases in recent years.