Invitation to peace

In an unexpected but pleasant surprise, Pakistan has extended an olive branch to India, signaling its desire for a thaw in the frosty relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. A formal invitation is sent to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Islamabad this October in a significant diplomatic overture - one that comes after eight long years of strained ties. The gesture from Islamabad is loud and clear: Pakistan is ready to engage in dialogue and move towards regional cooperation.

Being much more than a simple formality, this invitation represents the third time Pakistan has reached out to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his long stint in office. The ball is now firmly lodged in India's court. The geopolitical landscape is rapidly shifting, with economic imperatives taking precedence over old enmities. Islamabad's willingness to prioritise regional cooperation and align its policies with the broader international community reflects a strategic pivot towards geo-economics. However, diplomatic sources remain skeptical about Modi's potential visit to Islamabad, given the current state of bilateral relations. This is understandable but also highlights the critical nature of the situation. Lack of reciprocity from New Delhi could further cement the status quo, prolonging the deadlock between the two. Conversely, a positive response could serve as a catalyst for renewing the long-stalled dialogue process.

It is crucial for New Delhi to recognise this invitation as an opportunity to lead from the front in rebuilding trust and cooperation. For too long, South Asia has been held back by its unresolved conflicts, with millions of lives adversely affected by persistent instability. The success of this diplomatic outreach will depend on the willingness of both sides to come to the table with open minds and hearts. As it stands, the world needs fewer conflicts and more cooperation.