117 Indians & Pakistanis Urge Modi & Shehbaz Sharif to Restore Peace, Talks & Normal Relations

July 1, 2026

More than 100 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan have issued a joint appeal, a year after ‘Operation Sindoor’. They have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart, Shehbaz Sharif, to take steps towards restoring peace. The appeal calls for the resumption of dialogue and the normalization of bilateral relations between the two nations. Mehbooba Mufti, chief of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, also welcomed recent remarks by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionaries supporting bilateral talks in the context of these letters being sent to the Prime Ministers.

What remarks by RSS functionaries did Mehbooba cite?
Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seize the opportunity to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir issue through dialogue, Mufti stated that this would bring lasting peace to the entire region. Speaking to the news agency ANI, Mufti noted that senior RSS leaders like Dattatreya Hosabale and Mohan Bhagwat had spoken in favor of talks with Pakistan. She reiterated Vajpayee’s famous quote: “You can change friends, but not neighbors.” Mufti remarked that improvements in Jammu and Kashmir could connect South Asia and Central Asia, potentially turning the region into a hub of economic activity. She suggested holding talks regarding the LoC and LAC, opening borders, and transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a bridge for peace.

Who sent the letter on behalf of India and Pakistan?
This appeal was issued by the Centre for Peace and Progress. It has been signed by 117 individuals, comprising 61 citizens from India and 56 from Pakistan. The appeal urges both governments to end their long-standing hostility. The signatories stated that this hostility is depriving millions of young people of opportunities, prosperity, and a secure future. The letter notes that India and Pakistan together are home to approximately one-fifth of the global population. The people of both nations deserve a future defined by peace, development, and cooperation.

Who drafted the letter?

O.P. Shah, Chairman of the ‘Centre for Peace and Progress’, drafted the letter on June 30. It was signed by 61 Indian and 55 Pakistani prominent figures.

Advocacy for full diplomatic relations

-High Commissioners should be re-appointed in New Delhi and Islamabad.
-A call to resume normal visa services and restart comprehensive bilateral talks on all pending issues.
-A demand to discuss Jammu and Kashmir, taking into account the framework established between 2004 and 2007.
-Both countries should reduce troop deployments while keeping ‘legitimate security concerns’ in mind.
-Both nations should reopen the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and the Sharda Peeth for pilgrims.

What are the other key appeals in the letter?

-Trade routes should be reopened.
-Both countries should restore normal business relations.
-Re-implement the ‘Most Favoured Nation’ (MFN) status or an equivalent trade agreement.
-Reach a consensus on reopening the Attari-Wagah land border.
-Resume the Delhi-Lahore bus service, Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service, Samjhauta Express, and Thar Express.
-Demand to open the Kargil-Skardu route and reopen airspace for commercial flights.

What other points did the signatories emphasize?

India and Pakistan are home to approximately one-fifth of the world’s population, and a large segment of the people here are young. An appeal to choose the path of dialogue and engagement rather than remaining isolated from governments. Both nations should engage in dialogue instead of hostility and cooperate rather than confront. Mutual contact and exchanges among students, journalists, artists, and businesspeople should be encouraged. There is also a demand to lift restrictions on media outlets and digital platforms.
The future of South Asia should be defined by peace, prosperity, and shared progress, not by division and confrontation.

This appeal does not constitute ‘support for any specific political stance.’ The letter serves as a call to action, hoping to place the well-being and aspirations of nearly two billion people ‘above confrontation and division.’ Persistent hostility deprives millions of young people of opportunities, prosperity, and a secure future.

What confidence-building measures were suggested?

The signatories have demanded the restoration of full diplomatic relations. They have urged the re-appointment of High Commissioners in New Delhi and Islamabad. There are also calls to resume normal visa services and open airspace for commercial flights. Furthermore, the reopening of the Attari-Wagah land border for trade and travel has been demanded. A request has also been made to revive the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service and other cross-border connectivity initiatives.

Who are the signatories to the letter?
The Indians making this appeal include National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti. RJD MP Manoj Jha and former TMC minister-turned-AJUP leader HumAyun Kabir has also signed it. Prominent among the Pakistani signatories is former Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri. Former diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, National Assembly member Isphanyar Bhandara, and nuclear physicist Pervez Hoodbhoy are also included.