ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif has voiced his call for India to send its cricket team to Pakistan, proposing that cricket diplomacy could aid in improving strained bilateral relations. His appeal comes in response to India’s refusal to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan, marking another chapter in the complex dynamics between the two nations. Sharif’s call highlights the power of sports as a unifying force, underscoring a need for steps toward reconciliation amid rising tensions.
Addressing the media in London with his daughter, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Sharif emphasised the importance of using cricket as a bridge for diplomacy. He pointed out that the people of both countries desire this sporting connection, and such efforts could foster a gradual shift toward more open dialogue. For Sharif, the invitation goes beyond the game, signalling an intent to rekindle an era when political discourse between India and Pakistan was less fraught with contention.
Sharif didn’t limit his message to India. He extended his call for peaceful relations to all neighbouring countries, emphasising the need for Pakistan to strengthen bonds with regional allies. This includes the United States, with whom he noted relations had seen stronger phases in the past. Sharif expressed a desire to rekindle this historic bond, citing the necessity for strategic and cooperative alliances to address mutual concerns, from security to economic resilience.
Amid an environment where diplomatic initiatives remain stalled, Sharif’s statements spotlight the potential of reviving multilateral partnerships that once grounded Pakistan’s international standing. His commentary aligns with a broader vision for Pakistan to re-establish itself as a stabilising force within South Asia and beyond, particularly through collaborative ties with traditional allies.
Condemning attacks on judicial figures
Sharif also denounced recent attacks on high-profile figures, such as the assault on former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s vehicle in London. The attack, in his view, signals a disturbing cultural shift towards incivility and disrespect, one he attributes to a broader erosion of societal norms. Sharif criticised the role of political factions that, he believes, have actively contributed to this culture by mobilising youth in aggressive, disruptive demonstrations.
Sharif lamented the decline of respectful dissent in public discourse, suggesting that protest and political engagement should be conducted with dignity. His observations reflect concerns over a perceived decline in the values of respect and decorum, emphasising the need for leaders to discourage unruly behaviour among their supporters. For Sharif, fostering respect remains central to mending Pakistan’s social and political fabric, as well as preserving a sense of unity in an increasingly polarised landscape.