PM Shehbaz writes letter to Modi, mentions Kashmir ‘issue’ instead of ‘dispute’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has written a letter to his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, in which he mentioned Kashmir as a ‘core issue’ instead of a ‘dispute’ between both countries.

While initiating the letter diplomacy with India, PM Shehbaz Sharif wrote a letter to Narendra Modi. The letter was written after Indian PM Modi congratulated PM Sharif on his April 11 elections.

Modi tweeted, “Congratulations to H. E. Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror so that we can focus on our development challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of our people.”

Congratulations to H. E. Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror, so that we can focus on our development challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of our people.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 11, 2022

PM Shehbaz Sharif responded, “Thank you Premier Narendra Modi for felicitations. Pakistan desires peaceful & cooperative ties with India. Peaceful settlement of outstanding disputes including Jammu & Kashmir is indispensable. Pakistan’s sacrifices in fighting terrorism are well-known. Let’s secure peace and.”

Thank you Premier Narendra Modi for felicitations. Pakistan desires peaceful & cooperative ties with India. Peaceful settlement of outstanding disputes including Jammu & Kashmir is indispensable. Pakistan’s sacrifices in fighting terrorism are well-known. Let’s secure peace and.. https://t.co/0M1wxhhvjV

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 12, 2022

In his letter sent on Sunday, PM Sharif wrote, “I wish to thank you for your greetings and good wishes on my assumption of office as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.”

“Reciprocating your sentiments, I wish to convey that Pakistan remains committed to the maintenance of regional peace and security. Our sacrifices and contributions in fighting and eliminating terrorism are well-known and globally acknowledged.”

The premier said, “We believe that peaceful and cooperative ties between Pakistan and India are imperative for the progress and socio-economic uplift of our people and for the region. This can be best achieved through meaningful engagement and peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.”

He asked the Indian PM to ‘secure peace and work for the progress and prosperity of our people.”

Analysts expressed surprise at mentioning Kashmir as a ‘core issue’ instead of clearly writing it a ‘dispute’. Regarding the counter-terrorism actions, they said that PM Sharif did not mention the atrocities of the occupation forces in illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

They added that the premier has also failed to raise a strong voice over the Indian-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan despite having evidence in the shape of Kulbhushan Jadhav.