India gives a miss to Pakistan National Day celebration in Delhi

Indian government gave a miss to Pakistan's National Day celebrations at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi on Friday (Mar 29). The High Commission was organising such public celebrationafter a long time in Delhi. Both countries had downgraded ties in 2019 when Islamabad expelled the then-Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria in response to the revocation of the special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan's Chargé d'Affaires, Saad Ahmad Warraich, delivered a message at the event, emphasising the founding vision of "amicable relations" between India and Pakistan.

"The founding fathers of Pakistan and India envisioned an amicable relationship between the two countries. Unfortunately, the history of our bilateral relationship has remained challenged for the most part. Cycle of perpetual conflict intention is not our ordained destiny," Warraich stated.

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The top Pakistani diplomat expressed hope for a future marked by "peaceful coexistence, sovereign equality, and mutual respect" if both sides "emerge from the shadow of the past and step in a future of hope".

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He emphasised the "role of regional peace and stability can be achieved by enhancing mutual understanding, addressing shared concerns" but also mentioned Jammu and Kashmir.

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The development comesas Pakistan got a new government under Shehbaz Sharif this year. The top diplomat pointed to common things between the two countries, highlighting, "As you would appreciate, Pakistan and India do not agree on many things, but it is not that we do not agree on anything. Love for cricket, of good food, and energy for discussion and debate, on anything and everything under the sun are some of our common traits".

Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar expressed willingness to "seriously examine" resuming trade with India. Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch affirmed the ongoing evaluation of trade matters, stating, "Examination of such proposals is a regular exercise... At this point, there is no change in Pakistan's position."